Las Vegas Raiders X-Factors against the Colts in 2022 Week 10

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 02: Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders is seen during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 2, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 02: Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders is seen during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 2, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JANUARY 02: Jonathan Taylor #28 of the Indianapolis Colts runs the ball in the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 02, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JANUARY 02: Jonathan Taylor #28 of the Indianapolis Colts runs the ball in the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 02, 2022, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

Las Vegas Raiders X-Factors against the Colts in 2022 Week 10

Limit the Colts’ run game

It remains to be seen whether Jonathan Taylor will suit up for Sunday’s contest, but of course, the Raiders must prepare for the chance that he takes the field. After missing last week’s game due to an ankle injury, Taylor was reportedly spotted participating in practice, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Taylor is arguably the Colts’ lone offensive threat, and it’s not rocket science that limiting his production is the key priority for the Raiders’ defense.

Theoretically, Las Vegas should be much better prepared to stop the run versus the pass. Heading into Week 10, the Raiders are allowing the seventh-fewest yards per rush attempt at 4.2 yards per carry. However, Travis Etienne Jr. just torched them for 109 yards on the ground and two touchdowns last Sunday.

And in the week prior, Alvin Kamara had a combined 158 yards from scrimmage and three total touchdowns.

So with their past couple of performances in mind, the Raiders cannot afford to be exploited on the ground. Holding their own versus the Colts’ backfield will be a deciding factor for the Raiders’ defense to come out on top. If Indianapolis hopes to beat Las Vegas on Sunday, it will have to be in the pocket with Ehlinger, not by way of Taylor running rampant at Allegiant.

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