The Las Vegas Raiders play at the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Kickoff is at 1:25 p.m. PT. Here are five keys to victory for the Raiders:
Harass Justin Herbert:
Maxx Crosby had a great game against Cleveland (OK, he was overshadowed by Myles Garrett)., but he did ball out. Crosby had six pressures and five tackles for loss. But the Raiders had just one sack against a poor Cleveland offensive line. The Chargers are without standout tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt for the year. The Raiders have to take advantage and get to Herbert or he will chew them up.
Block Khalil Mack:
Mack must be licking his chops about this one. Garrett and the Browns had 10 sacks against the Raiders’ beleaguered offensive line. The unit has allowed 21 sacks in the past three games. Mack has long tortured the Raiders, who he played for from 2014-18. He had a big game against the Raiders before being injured in Week 2. He has 12.5 sacks against the Raider sin his career and he will be looking for more Sunday.
Contain Ladd McConkey:
The Chargers have some solid weapons for Herbert and McConkey has bit the Raiders before. McConkey, who has 54 catches this season, has five grabs against the Raiders in Week 2. Overall, he has 15 catches against the Raiders in three career games against them. Expect him to be a focal point Sunday.
Win turnover battle:
The Raiders are going to need some breaks to win this game and they must create some of those breaks. So, they need to win the turnover battle. If the Raiders give the Chargers opportunities, this game likely won’t be close.
Better offensive coaching:
The Raiders’ offense is now directed by interim offensive coordinator Greg Olson, who took over for the fired Chip Kelly. Expect Olson, who has 15 seasons experience as an NFL offensive coordinator, to take a simple approach, but also he will try to exploit tight end Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty more. But the key is the offensive line play and better decision making by Smith.
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