The 2-5 Las Vegas Raiders host the 4-3 Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 1:05 p.m. PT. Here are five keys to victory for the Raiders:
Make Lawrence uncomfortable:
The Raiders need to follow the Los Angeles Rams’ blueprint against Jaguars’ quarterback Trevor Lawrence in Week 7 (Jacksonville was on its bye in Week 8 like the Raiders). The Rams sacked Lawrence six times in that game and made it uncomfortable for him as the Jaguars dropped their second straight game after starting 4-1. The Raiders’ pass-rush has been inconsistent. They need to pressure Lawrence consistently or he can slice them up.
Take advantage of Travis Hunter being out:
Jaguars dual threat rookie Travis Hunter was put on the injured reserve Friday morning. Standout receiver Brian Thomas has been limited in practice. The Raiders must use this to their advantage.
Get Jeanty going:
The Raiders’ offense has been weak for most of the season. They are averaging just 14 points a game and were shutout at Kansas City in Week 7. This unit is best when it can get rookie running back Ashton Jeanty going. It hasn’t happened a lot but when Jeanty can get some holes, he is a difference maker. They need that to happen Sunday against a strong Jacksonville run defense.
Start fast:
This would accomplish two things. One, it would wash the stink of the Kansas City disaster and give the home crowd (they likely won’t be a ton of Jacksonville fans at Allegiant Stadium) involved in the game. Also, it would create doubt for the Jaguars who are in a bit of a tail spin. So, the Raiders need a strong first quarter on both sides of the ball.
No long defensive drives:
The Raiders’ defense was battered at Kansas City as it allowed four long touchdown drives on the Chiefs’ first four drives of the game. Kansas City held the ball for 42:08 of the game. The Raiders must get Lawrence and crew off the field.
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