The Oakland Raiders flew halfway across the world to take on a tough Chicago Bears team in London in Week 5. Although in unfamiliar territory, the Raiders showed their worth and came out swinging, scoring two touchdowns in the first half.
However, the Raiders squandered their lead in the second half, allowing three touchdowns by the Bears. The Raiders proved resilient though, coming back and winning 24-21 to head into their bye week at 3-2.
In response to that resilience, head coach Jon Gruden said after the game that he has given the team the week off after their win, via Vic Tafur of The Athletic:
Gruden gave the players the week off after the win.
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) October 6, 2019
Giving his players the week off not only allows for the ones that are banged up to get healthy, but it also allows Gruden some extra time to gameplan for the team’s Week 7 matchup against the Green Bay Packers on the road.
The Raiders beat the Bears without two of their key plays in Tyrell Williams and Clelin Ferrell, but the hope is that the bye week will give them enough time to recover.
Additionally, the hope is that starting right guard Gabe Jackson will also be able to return after the bye. He suffered a sprained MCL during training camp that has kept him out for the first five games.
When the Raiders return to the field against the Packers, it will be their fourth road game in the last five weeks as they continue to work through the worst part of their schedule.
The Packers have been rolling throughout the 2019 season. They have only lost one game so far, a nail-biter to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Raiders better prepare for cold weather as the Wisconsin Fall is likely to be unforgiving.
