The Las Vegas Raiders have a huge matchup on Sunday. They'll look to end their four-game skid against the New York Jets, which won't be easy on the road in the early window. This could be the game that saves their season and keeps them in the playoff race. Or it could be the opposite.
In New York, they'll face their former quarterback, which adds another layer to this already spirited AFC matchup. Geno Smith is the Jets' signal-caller and will surely be looking for revenge against the Silver and Black. Plus, Ashton Jeanty's comments will make this a physical game in Week 8.
When it comes to their respective depth charts, these teams match up well. So, the game plan and coaching staffs will make a world of difference. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the keys to victory for against the Jets, which start with pressuring Smith.
Las Vegas Raiders' keys to victory against the Jets in Week 8
Getting pressure on Geno Smith
Raider Nation had to watch Smith lead the league in sacks taken last year, so they know it's possible to get him to the ground. While the offensive line had issues last season, Smith has had the same problem taking sacks for years. It hasn’t changed with the Jets, and the Raiders must take advantage.
Smith has been sacked 21 times this season already, and he has been culpable for a lot of those negative plays. He has a sack percentage of 8.8 percent and ranks 30th in pressure-to-sack ratio. This is even with the Jets' offensive line ranking 14th in ESPN’s pass-block win rate.
That means that Rob Leonard's front seven will have opportunities to create negative plays on Sunday. The Raiders have struggled in the sack department over the past few weeks, and this could be the game to get back.
Handling the blitz
Jets head coach Aaron Glenn isn't afraid to come after the quarterback. He's been that way since he was in Detroit, running an aggressive defensive scheme. That hasn’t changed with the Jets, and the Raiders have to be prepared.
The Jets send six or more rushers 12 percent of the time, which ranks 7th in the NFL. Considering how much Kirk Cousins has struggled against the blitz this season, Glenn and the Jets are sure to send pressure early and often in Week 8.
Klint Kubiak should expect to see heavy cover zero man, so he will need to design hot routes to help his quarterback make plays and beat the blitz. Las Vegas' route-runners will also need to step up and get early separation in this matchup.
Playing through Brock Bowers
With the Jets being aggressive, that will give one-on-one opportunities to Brock Bowers. Bowers has faced plenty of double teams, but New York won't be able to do that if they're blitzing and running man coverage with no help. Plus, the Jets have struggled with tight ends the last two weeks.
One answer to the double teams is playing Bowers as a natural tight end. He has played in the slot or outside for most of his snaps, but if Kubiak can adjust and play him more inline, it could be easier to get him the football.
Raider Nation should expect a big game from Bowers, and he could stretch the field for the Raiders' offense.
Add us as a preferred source on Google