Las Vegas Raiders at Seahawks 2022 Week 12: Key matchups to watch
Las Vegas Raiders at Seahawks 2022 Week 12: Key matchups to watch
Defense
Seahawks receivers vs Las Vegas secondary
The Raiders’ defense is ranked 24th in pass defense and several injuries have taken a massive hit to the depth of the secondary. The struggles of the overall defense in holding onto a lead are well-chronicled, but they can’t afford to give up big momentum plays at the very least.
That will be a tall task against the Seahawks’ receiving duo of Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf, who have nine receiving touchdowns combined.
They each average 11.9 and 12.1 yards per reception respectively, which illustrates how holding their own in key situations, namely on third-and-long, can help the defense get off the field when needed. Containing Lockett and Metcalf will go a long way in achieving that goal.
Kenneth Walker III vs Raiders run defense
Walker was hyped up in training camp and in the preseason and his production so far has justified the Seahawks’ confidence in the rookie. Through nine games, with five starts, he’s tallied 587 rushing yards and seven touchdowns with an average of 4.9 yards per attempt. To their credit, Las Vegas has faired much better against the run, ranking 20th in the league.
But we’ve seen the likes of Derrick Henry, Alvin Kamara, and Travis Etienne Jr. already carve up the Raiders’ defense from the backfield.
Las Vegas should expect a heavy dose of Seattle running the ball as a means of countering a pass rush led by Maxx Crosby. Similar to fending off their receiving duo, success against Walker is predicated on not allowing momentum-changing plays. If the Seahawks lean on Walker to move the chains on third down, it could be a long day for the Raiders defense on the road come Sunday.