Even though they have now lost eight consecutive game, the Las Vegas Raiders have played extremely hard and been competitive. Maxx Crosby has said the goal for this team is to ruin someone’s playoff hopes and somehow they will now play a big role in the NFC South race with consecutive games against the top two teams in that division, starting with a road game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Aidan O’Connell returned in a big way for the Raiders last week, throwing for 340 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. Since Scott Turner took over as offensive coordinator the Raiders offense has looked much improved and O’Connell has been more than serviceable. Going against a Bucs defense that ranks 30th against the pass should put him in line for another big performance.
It would certainly help if he continues to target Brock Bowers who has proven to be simply unguardable as a rookie. The tight end had his third game with at least 10 catches against the Chiefs, finishing with a career-high 140 yards. Jakobi Meyers rounding into form has also helped as his presence makes it tougher for defenses to key in on Bowers. The Raiders may have also found a bit of a run game behind Sincere McCormick, but establishing that against Tampa will be a tough task.
Defensively, the Raiders must be locked in as Baker Mayfield has led this Bucs offense to a strong season, despite injuries. Mike Evans is back in the lineup and is always a threat for 100 yards and two touchdowns any time he is on the field. On the ground, Bucky Irving is coming off a career-game with 152 yards against the Panthers and if the Raiders allow him to get going it just opens up everything else for Tampa.
As always, the turnover battle will be extremely important for the Raiders as they were able to take care of the ball, until that unfortunate moment to end the game. Against an offense like the Bucs’ they can’t afford to give them short fields as that will be a recipe for disaster. Thankfully O’Connell has been good at taking care of the ball for the most part.
The Raiders likely can’t win a shootout, but if the defense shows up once again, O’Connell has proven that he can come through and get this team in position to win. Avoid mistakes and the Raiders could come out with an upset.
Las Vegas Raiders (2-9) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-6)
1:00 p.m. PT, Sunday, December 8
Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, Florida
TV: CBS