Unfortunately for the Las Vegas Raiders, there has been a lot of negativity and drama surrounding the team over the past couple of weeks. Now, they will need to put all of that behind them as they host one of their longest-tenured rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, in Week 6.
The biggest story is that the Raiders will be making a change at quarterback, with Aidan O’Connell replacing Gardner Minshew. Turnovers have been an issue, with Minshew’s pick-six against the Denver Broncos last week completely changing the game’s momentum. For O’Connell, limiting those mistakes and turnovers is the most important thing against a Steelers defense that specializes in that, led by arguably the best defender in football, TJ Watt.
The Steelers rank in the top 10 in takeaways this season and forced three turnovers last week. They are also second in the league in points allowed, so the Raiders may find it very tough to get going on offense, especially as they remain shorthanded in terms of their weapons.
Davante Adams and Michael Mayer are both still out, while Jakobi Meyers and Zamir White have also missed practices this week, as well as have offensive linemen Kolton Miller and Jackson Powers-Johnson. The latter four practiced on Friday, however, so their status for the game is in the air.
Regardless, rookie tight end Brock Bowers will remain a primary target for O’Connell as he has been extremely impressive so far this season. Establishing the run game against this defense is easier said than done, but it would go a long way toward not allowing the Steelers’ pass rush to get going.
Defensively, the Raiders are in line to get back linebacker Divine Deablo, though the loss of Christian Wilkins on the line will be a tough one to replace. The Steelers’ offense has been far from a juggernaut, especially through the air, but they do have some weapons the Raiders must be sure to keep an eye on.
George Pickens is always a threat to break off a huge play, while Pat Friermuth is one of the most reliable tight ends in the league and is one of the favorite red-zone targets.
The biggest thing for the Raiders will be to shut down the Steelers rushing attack and make quarterback Justin Fields have to beat them with his arm. If they are able to force Pittsburgh into more passing scenarios, it will allow Maxx Crosby to do what he does best, terrorize the Steelers in the backfield, and potentially create some turnovers.
The turnover battle may be the key to this contest. If the Raiders can limit their mistakes and win the field position battle they have a great chance to pull off this win in Aidan O’Connell’s first start. But if they allow that Steelers defense to control this game, it will be a long day.
Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2) vs. Las Vegas Raiders (2-3)
1:05 p.m. PT, Sunday, October 13, 2024
Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada
TV: CBS
