After starting the season off on a high note, the Oakland Raiders have put up back-to-back lackluster performances to drop to 1-2 on the season.
There obviously still is a ton of season to go, but if the Raiders want to stay in the playoff mix, they will have to start getting back on track in Week 4 as they travel to take on a beat-up Indianapolis Colts team. The game is scheduled for 10 a.m. PT and will be televised on CBS.
Raiders Offense Vs. Colts Defense:
The Raiders offense has struggled to get the ball down the field the last two weeks, although all of the talks this week have been about them trying to change that. Look for quarterback Derek Carr to get Tyrell Williams and J.J. Nelson involved early, and we could even see Keelan Doss get some playing time after Ryan Grant was released.
Darren Waller has been the Raiders’ biggest threat in the passing game and that will likely continue, but Raiders head coach Jon Gruden also said he wants to get Josh Jacobs more involved through the air.
Luckily for the Raiders, the Colts will be without three of their best players on defense as linebacker Darius Leonard, safety Malik Hooker and defensive lineman Tyquan Lewis are all listed as out and expected to miss the game with injuries.
Raiders Defense Vs. Colts Offense:
The Colts could also be without a key member of their offense with star wide receiver T.Y. Hilton listed as doubtful with a quad injury.
That puts more pressure on quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who became the team’s starter after Andrew Luck unexpectedly retired, and running back Marlon Mack.
So far this season, the Raiders defense has been able to find success when getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks, so that will need to be the case once again if they want to win this one.
Three Keys To Victory:
1. Protect Derek Carr: If the Raiders want to throw the ball down the field more often then their offensive line will have to do a better job of protecting Carr. He went unsacked in the Raiders’ only win of the year and was sacked a combined seven times in their two losses. That is not a coincidence.
2. Get off to a good start: The Raiders are a run-first team, meaning they are better equipped to play with a lead than from behind. Getting Jacobs going early and controlling the pace of the game will be key for the Raiders not only in this game, but every game.
3. Create some turnovers on defense: The Raiders defense only has one takeaway so far this season, which simply is not good enough. The Raiders defense is going to give up yards, which is fine, but if they could get a few takeaways and set the offense up with good field position, that will help negate the yards and points allowed.
