Raiders at Jaguars 2022 Week 9: Key matchups to watch

Oct 30, 2022; London, United Kingdom, Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) and quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) react after scoring a touchdown against the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter during an NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2022; London, United Kingdom, Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) and quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) react after scoring a touchdown against the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter during an NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 23: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the Houston Texans at Allegiant Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 23: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the Houston Texans at Allegiant Stadium on October 23, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Raiders at Jaguars 2022 Week 9: Key matchups to watch

Offense

Josh Jacobs vs the Jaguars run defense

Outside of the Saints game, the Las Vegas Raiders rushing attack, led by Josh Jacobs, has been outstanding this season. On Sunday, that is something Josh McDaniels and this offense need to establish early, as the Jaguars can be beaten on the inside of their defensive line.

However, they have played well in two of the last three games, holding their opponent’s lead back to under 50 yards on the ground. Of course, Saquon Barkley ran all over them in the second of that three-game span, and that is something Jacobs hopes to do in Week 9.

Raiders offensive line vs Jaguars pass rush

The biggest test for the Raiders on offense on Sunday will be protecting Derek Carr, who was wildly off against New Orleans. Carr was pressured most of the afternoon, but when he had time, he failed to make his read fast enough, and it led to more hits than unusual.

Jacksonville has some elite edge rushers, including Josh Allen, who will likely line up over the Raiders’ weakness at right tackle. If the Silver and Black cannot protect Carr on Sunday, we could be in for another long day for this offense.