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Las Vegas Raiders X-Factors against the Jaguars in 2022 Week 9

By Pete Hernandez III

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 30: Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs onto the field prior to the start of an NFL game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on October 30, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 30: Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs onto the field prior to the start of an NFL game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on October 30, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 02: Defensive end Chandler Jones #55 of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts during the NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on October 02, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 32-23. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 02: Defensive end Chandler Jones #55 of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts during the NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on October 02, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 32-23. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders X-Factors against the Jaguars in 2022 Week 9

Can Chandler Jones make an impact?

There have been many disappointments on the road to the Raiders’ 2-5 record, and the lack of impact from Chandler Jones is among the most pressing. Las Vegas’ defense arguably cannot stop any opponent through the air, but seeing the production from Maxx Crosby only highlights that the root of Jones’ struggles is player performance, not so much on the coaching staff.

Crosby has six sacks and 30 pressures, while Jones conversely has just 0.5 sacks, six quarterback hits, and 10 hurries. Dave Ziegler highlighted how Jones has been impactful in the run defense, and while that may be true it’s difficult to justify a three-year, $51 million contract for a run defender.

Las Vegas’ defense is in dire need of playmakers, and Jones has to rise to the occasion.

Ziegler and McDaniels clearly invested in Jones for the future as well, but there are still 10 games left to play this season. Playoff hopes dashed or not, the veteran pass-rusher has to display a return on investment to close out the season.

After Davis Mills and Andy Dalton had their way the past two weeks, Trevor Lawrence has to see increased pressure on Sunday, and Jones plays an important role in that objective.

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