Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images No change at all, in fact Earlier this week, when we brought you the opening odds for this week’s contest at U.S. Bank Stadium between the San Francisco 49ers and the Minnesota Vikings, we gave an update that the game had been pulled off the board because of the sudden late scratch of Niners star running back Christian McCaffrey. Well, now that we’ve moved to Friday, the game is back on the board. Apparently, the sharps don’t think McCaffrey’s injury is that big a deal. According to the folks at FanDuel, the Niners still sit as a 5.5-point favorite heading into Sunday’s battle of 1-0 teams in Minneapolis. That’s still a smaller favorite than they were when they headed into Minneapolis last year and the Vikings pulled a pretty significant upset over the team that would go on to win the NFC. Both teams have some significant injury issues going into this one, as Vikings’ receiver Jordan Addison will not play on Sunday after suffering an ankle injury in last Sunday’s win over New York. Yes, the Vikings still have Justin Jefferson, who missed last season’s game between these teams, but without Addison and T.J. Hockenson the Vikings are going to need big performances from some other sources if they want to come out of Sunday’s game with a win. In McCaffrey’s absence, the Niners turned to Jordan Mason against the Jets on Monday night, and he responded by rushing for 147 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries. That means that, even without McCaffrey, the Niners are still going to have the ability to move the ball on the ground. It will certainly be a test for Minnesota’s front seven to slow that offense down. So, while both teams are looking at significant injury losses heading into Sunday’s game, it hasn’t really swayed anything as far as betting odds are concerned. You know, if you’re into that sort of thing.
Injuries Didn’t Move the Needle for Niners/Vikings
The AP staff (and our readers) pick the Chiefs-Bengals game
Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images Let’s see what AP staffers (and readers) think about Sunday’s game between Kansas City and Cincinnati. In Week 1, Arrowhead Pride contributors got off to a record-setting start, turning in the best set of game picks we’ve ever made. Our combined prediction was for the Kansas City Chiefs to collect a 27-21 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, which had only two points of error from the 27-20 final. Our previous best guess was for last season’s Divisional round playoff game against the Buffalo Bills, when our 24-21 prediction was six points removed from the 27-24 final. 62% of our readers (compared to 75% of our staffers) called for a close Kansas City win. 11% thought Baltimore would win the AFC Championship rematch. In Week 2, the Chiefs host the Cincinnati Bengals on GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Kansas City is favored by 5.5 points. Let’s see what the staff — and our readers — think about the matchup. Nate Christensen (@natech32) For Cincinnati, this game couldn’t have come at a worse time. Even though this matchup has had plenty of juice in recent years, the current edition of the Bengals doesn’t match up with the Chiefs very well. Wide receiver Tee Higgins is injured — and wideout Ja’Marr Chase just came back; they don’t have the wide receiver advantage they’ve usually had. The defense is struggling as it exchanges departed veterans for young players. The absences of DJ Reader and Jessie Bates — who have been game-changers against the Chiefs — make it much harder for Cincinnati defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo game-plan against Kansas City. Later in the season, this might be a closer game — but on Sunday, I expect an easy Chiefs win. Chiefs 31, Bengals 20 John Dixon (@Arrowheadphones) Four of the last five games between these teams (two of them for the AFC Championship) have been decided by three points — and the Bengals have won three of them. But none of those matchups were played earlier than Week 13. During Cincinnati head coach Zac Taylor’s tenure, the Bengals are 1-10 during the first two weeks of the season. During that same period, the Chiefs are 9-2 during Weeks 1 and 2. Just the same, this is the NFL. I don’t think Cincinnati is just going to roll over. Chiefs 31, Bengals 21 Maurice Elston (@MrMauriceElston) On Sunday, the Chiefs will aim to improve to 2-0 — while the Bengals will be desperate to avoid an 0-2 start for the fifth time in six seasons. Cincinnati will be battling with urgency. The rivalry between these teams is well-established — and that bad blood only heightens the intensity of this matchup. We should expect another hard-fought, emotional game. But based on their Week 1 performances, the Chiefs appear more polished on both sides of the ball. With a sharper offense (and a defense that can capitalize on mistakes), Kansas City has the edge. Chiefs 31, Bengals 24 Ron Kopp Jr. (@Ron_Kopp) The Chiefs’ Week 1 win would have been much more comfortable if the offense had finished more drives and the defense had more energy left at the end of the game. Still, the defense ultimately played well. I think that will continue against a Cincinnati offense that struggled in Week 1 — and isn’t fully healthy. Every week, quarterback Patrick Mahomes (and the offense) will only get better and more efficient. Then if you mix in some extra intensity from the rivalry with the Bengals, I see a complete Chiefs victory. Chiefs 27, Bengals 17 Rocky Magaña (@RockyMagana) In this game, the biggest question mark is whether Kansas City’s rookie left tackle Kingsley Suamataia will need additional help to hold down the edge against Cincinnati pass rusher Trey Hendrickson. If he keep Mahomes upright by himself, I don’t think this de-clawed (and shell-shocked) version of the Bengals has the talent to run with the Chiefs. Wide receivers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy are a nightmare for a good defense — let alone a pile of JAGs. Meanwhile, quarterback Joe Burrow looks like he’s seeing ghosts (and hearing footsteps) every time he drops back to pass. So on Sunday, expect things to go from bad to worse for Burrow. Cincinnati is still missing Tee Higgins, while Ja’Marr Chase is the poster boy for unwanted distractions. If the NFL had a Mercy Rule, it would be in effect on Sunday. Chiefs 38, Bengals 10 Jared Sapp (@TrumanChief) After an embarrassing Week 1 loss to the New England Patriots, the Bengals are frightening for a simple reason: no NFL team has more riding on Week 2 than they do. Unfortunately for them, the problems that plagued Cincinnati a week ago — an inept run defense and a lack of reliable offensive weapons — generally aren’t issues that can be fixed quickly. The Chiefs will likely disappoint millions of fantasy players who added Xavier Worthy to their rosters during the last week. While the rookie will still be in the game plan, the 170 rushing yards the Bengals allowed to New England suggest the Chiefs will want to attack Cincinnati on the ground. Running back Isiah Pacheco should be given a chance to pick off where he left off in December, when he had a career-best 130 rushing yards in his team’s most recent victory over the Bengals. And don’t forget that former Cincinnati back Samaje Perine will also be more integrated into the offense — hopefully with an ax to grind against his former team. Expect the Chiefs to control this one from the start; they’ll want to avoid giving the Bengals’ offense any opportunity to find itself. Chiefs 27, Bengals 13 Matt Stagner (@stagdsp) The Bengals (and their fans) think this is their year; they’ve publicly said they expect to be the AFC’s favorite. There’s an obvious problem with that: the Chiefs are still here — and might be better than ever. While they aren’t division rivals, these
Eagles Injury Report: A.J. Brown unexpectedly limited in practice
Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images Friday updates. The Philadelphia Eagles issued their second official injury report on Friday in advance of their Week 2 game against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football. The Eagles listed three players under LIMITED PARTICIPATION: A.J. Brown, Milton Williams, and Fred Johnson. Brown is a new addition to the injury report; he’s listed with a hamstring issue. The Eagles will be hoping that it’s not very serious. Brown has missed just one game (last season’s playoff matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers) since joining the Birds in 2022. We’ll learn more about his status on Saturday with Nick Sirianni set to talk to reporters ahead of the Eagles’ final practice this week. Williams was limited for the second day in a row. The Eagles might be managing his reps to help get him to game night. We’ll see. Johnson is also a new addition to the injury report; he’s dealing with a thumb issue. Johnson is the Eagles’ swing tackle, so, they’ll hope he can play in case he’s needed. The Eagles listed two players under FULL PARTICIPATION: Devin White and Isaiah Rodgers. White and Rodgers are both on track to play in Week 2 after missing Week 1. It’ll be interesting to see how they’re utilized. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES INJURY REPORT (FRIDAY) LIMITED PARTICIPATION WR A.J. Brown (hamstring)OT Fred Johnson (thumb)DT Milton Williams (foot) FULL PARTICIPATION CB Isaiah Rodgers (hand)LB Devin White (ankle) ATLANTA FALCONS INJURY REPORT (FRIDAY) Rotational linebacker Nate Landman missed practice for the second day in a row. The Falcons also worked out some free agent linebackers on Friday, so, it’s looking like Landman won’t be able to play. Starting right tackle Kaleb McGary was limited once again with a groin injury. DID NOT PARTICIPATE LB Nate Landman (calf, quad) LIMITED PARTICIPATION CB Antonio Hamilton Sr. (groin)RB Jase McClellan (knee)OT Kaleb McGary (groin)
Saquon Barkley got slimed as part of his latest Week 1 honor
Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images The Eagles’ running back was voted Nickelodeon’s NVP in Week 1, and his daughter got to help him celebrate. Saquon Barkley made one impressive debut for the Eagles in Week 1, finishing the season opener with a hat-trick of TDs, along with 26 total touches, including 24 runs for 109 yards and two catches for 23 yards. The running back not only won NFC Offensive Player of the Week, but he was voted Nickelodeon’s NVP for Week 1, which included a fun bonus activity for his daughter. We recruited some help for the cutest sliming you’ll ever see pic.twitter.com/ECBpjP93Ge — Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 13, 2024 Barkley gets a cool trophy for the honor, and as he mentioned in the video, the fact that his daughter got to be the one to pour the slime made it all the more special. Getting to slime your dad has to be super cool, and something she’ll remember for a long time — it’s also adorable how she says “Go Eagles” before emptying the bucket. It was exciting to see what the new running back will get to do in the Eagles offense, and hopefully this was among just the first of many accolades he’ll receive throughout the season.
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Cleveland Browns vs. Jacksonville Jaguars NFL Week 2 Preview and Prediction
Filed under: Cleveland Browns vs. Jacksonville Jaguars NFL Week 2 Preview and Prediction The Browns look to erase some of the stains from their season opener. By Sep 13, 2024, 7:00pm EDT Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images This Sunday, the Cleveland Browns take on the Jacksonville Jaguars as they look to rebound from their season-opening loss. Below, we analyze a few advantages, disadvantages, or general thoughts about the two teams before getting to our predictions for the game. Game Analysis Photo by D. Corson/ClassicStock/Getty Images How Much Panic Do We Want to Have? As Jared Mueller pointed out, the Browns typically respond well after a loss in the Kevin Stefanski era: a 22-8 record, to be specific. Last week’s season-opening loss was all-the-more of a gut punch because we were going off the highs of the magical run to conclude the 2023 season. We didn’t see Deshaun Watson play during the preseason, so we were just hopeful that he could channel the effort he did in the final game he played in before hurting his shoulder against the Ravens last year. It all fell apart. The reason we panic, in my opinion, is one person and one person alone: Watson’s lack of productivity, especially to start a game. With Watson, it feels like the offense is so lost, that the entire first half goes by with no drives sustained, a field goal on the board if we’re lucky, and a wasted half. But maybe, just maybe, the silver lining to that is sometimes, you get a little humility all across the board. It’s just one week, but I guarantee you that locker room is pissed off with the way they played in Week 1, and I expect the offensive gameplan to have some adjustments. We still have what I believe to be a top-ranked defense, too. They weren’t perfect last week, but we saw the individual talent on display. The big difference this week is that you hope the defense can generate some turnovers, just like a year ago when they snagged three interceptions against Trevor Lawrence. A year ago, the Jaguars were not the type of team that utilized the motion plays that would give the Browns’ defense fits. Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images Things to Follow this Week The tight end situation stands out to me. The position was already thin heading into the season, with David Njoku obviously being the standout. He is out, and that means Jordan Akins will start. Akins used to average about 400 yards receiving a season with the Texans, and his hands seem OK whenever he is targeted. Cleveland has a trio of tight ends on the practice squad, none of whom were with the team in training camp. We know at least one of them will be called up, and Barry Shuck wrote about each of them here. I didn’t like the Browns’ running style last week. It was what I feared, and what my brother pointed out to me about Ken Dorsey’s system in Buffalo: there used to be a lot of spread with short passes, and very little tough running where the offensive line can take over a game. The difference for Buffalo all those years was that Josh Allen can make the game-saving play at any moment. Watson isn’t even close to doing that. Everything, including the ground game, looked slow to get started. Hopefully, we see something a little different stylistically this week. Something of interest last week was the first touchdown that the Browns gave up. At first, it looked like S Juan Thornhill was to blame. Afterward, it seemed like it was a miscommunication by someone else. This week, defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz seemed to indicate that it may have been on Thornhill, who is now on injured reserve. S Ronnie Hickman will get the start in his place in all likelihood. He started against Jacksonville last year. He was a stud to end the regular season, but then struggled in the postseason. Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images Quick Hitters Special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone talked to the media on Thursday about the team’s punt return allowed. Obviously, it’s not good that (including preseason) the group has allowed a punt return touchdown in two straight games. He says they’ll clean it up, but that’s a concern for me. “Geez, there’s a lot of bad football in that play that, you know, we were not obviously up to our standards, you know. So, gotta have a better punt with location and hang time. The leverage needs to be better. The effort was poor and it was addressed, and we will move forward and keep coaching it up.” This game might be in then hands of Deshaun Watson again, like it or not. Offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey was asked about how the Jaguars’ run defense held the Dolphins’ running backs in check in Week 1: “I mean, they’re a physical front. They’re fundamentally and schematically sound and they fly around and so there’s a lot of things that go into it. Like I said, kind of early on, this is the ultimate team game and when a defense is able to do something like that the past week, there are multiple factors that go into it. It’s all 11 guys on their side operating at a pretty high level against a team like that.” Curtiss Brown talked about three Jaguars who could spoil Cleveland’s hopes this weekend. Matt Wilson went back and found three things the Browns can repeat from their 2023 match-up against the Jaguars. Damon Wolfe looked at this week’s X-factors on offense and defense. According to the betting appsFanDuel Sportsbook, the Browns are 3-point underdogs against the Jaguars. Predictions Here are predictions from multiple staff members at DBN. Chris Pokorny: “I am maintaining my faith in the Browns’ defense to shut down the Jaguars this week, knowing how they need to carry the team. The offense should
NFL must take action to protect players from themselves
Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images League must do the right thing after Tua Tagovailoa suffered another scary concussion in primetime The Los Angeles Rams are set to face the Dolphins in Week 10, yet Miami could be without one of their best players for that matchup. On Thursday, Pro Bowl quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered the third diagnosed concussion of his five-year NFL career. The result was another jolting reminder that the players underneath the pads you see on TV are in fact human beings. Odd I know. Following the game, several former players chimed in to comment on the QB’s unfortunate situation. Tony Gonzalez, Dez Bryant, Shannon Sharpe, Richard Sherman and Andrew Whitworth were among the crowd calling on Tua to consider retiring. Even Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce had this to say during his September 13 press conference: #Raiders HC Antonio Pierce says he would tell Tua Tagovailoa to retire from the NFL. “I’ve never witnessed anything like what has happened to him three times. … Take care of your family.” pic.twitter.com/8b9MNt8CEE — Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 13, 2024 All these calls to action are great and all, but they don’t mean a damn thing considering the decision is all Tagovailoa’s. However, this is when the NFL must step in and for once, do the right thing to protect players from themselves. If the league is indeed about player safety, this is the only right move to make. Critics would argue that this would take the decision out of the hands of its star players and that is precisely the point. Some players just can’t help themselves which leaves their families fearing for their safety each and every week they take the field. The problem is that too many of these young players have taken their position playing professional football for granted. They believe they are indestructible and their actions won’t have consequences when they get older. That short-sightedness is ignorant and in some cases, deadly if they’re not careful. Of course why would the NFL care about anything of that nature as it’s benefiting off all the players it employs. Tagovailoa is 26 and theoretically, in the middle of his prime. Plus he signed a $212 million extension back in July, so that will obviously make it tough for him to walk away. None of that money will matter in the long run assuming Tagovailoa is not mentally competent enough to enjoy it later in life. Now, I’ve never played football, so I will never understand the relentless drive to compete which defines athletes like Tua. Nor will I ever understand what is must feel like to be called on to abandon a dream profession you’re spent your entire life working toward. What I do understand is that Tagovailoa must make the most difficult and defining decision of his life—choosing between being the quarterback of the Dolphins or the quarterback of his family. Not that I want to be in the business of telling others what they should or shouldn’t do with their bodies—that’s what our jackass politicians think they’re for—this is a no-brainer for the NFL. I know there’s no way in hell they would ever make such a decision, but it would be a bold decision for a league that frequently puts the safety of its players on the backburner.
Ravens rookie CB Nate Wiggins to miss Week 2 matchup vs. Raiders after car accident
Ravens rookie CB Nate Wiggins to miss Week 2 matchup vs. Raiders after car accident Share this article glenn erby Nate Wiggins popped up on the injury report on Thursday, and the rookie cornerback is unlikely to play in Week 2 against the Raiders after being involved in a mid-week car accident. “They were kinda working through it,” Harbaugh said of Wiggins’ injury. “Looks like he’s not gonna be able to make it to the game. He’s fine. He’s healthy. He’s just not gonna be able to play.” Drafted 30th overall out of Clemson, Wiggins logged 15 defensive snaps in Baltimore’s 27-20 season-opening loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Wiggins is expected to see an increased role on defense, but it won’t be in Week 2.
James Jones says Joe Burrow gets a pass from the media
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) makes a throw the 3rd quarter of the Bengals home opener against the New England Patriots at Paycor Stadium Sunday, September 8, 2024. The Bengals lost 16-10. | Cara Owsley / USA TODAY NETWORK Fox Sports 1’s morning show “The Facility” had a very interesting discussion on how Joe Burrow gets a pass from the media as opposed to other quarterbacks in the NFL. Cincinnati Bengals fans are very defensive when it comes to Joe Burrow. They know which media personalities praise him and which ones criticize him. When Bengals fans see this video from James Jones, part of Fox Sports 1’s new morning show, The Facility, chances are they’re going to heavily disagree with what he says. “Joe Burrow without top elite wide receivers is average,” Jones said. “We keep living off of the Super Bowl appearance, but we don’t live on other stuff for other QBs.” James Jones says Joe Burrow gets a pass from media, while QBs like Lamar Jackson take a lot of heat. “Joe Burrow without top elite WRs is average. We keep living off of the Super Bowl appearance, but we don’t live on other stuff for other QBs.”pic.twitter.com/x2ACM6o99u — Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) September 11, 2024 First of all, there are other quarterbacks who have been to a Super Bowl and are rightfully not criticized. Jalen Hurts and Brock Purdy have both been to Super Bowls. Hurts receives some criticism, but you don’t hear a lot of criticism surrounding Brock Purdy. And as for Lamar Jackson, his record is now 1-4 against the Chiefs in his career. Burrow is 3-1 against the Chiefs. Jackson had three throws to set the Ravens up to tie or win the game against the Chiefs last week. He missed on all three attempts, including one to a wide-open Zay Flowers. Jones said Burrow hasn’t been good the last two seasons. Does he not remember the four-game stretch Burrow had from Weeks 5-10 last year when he was healthy? When he led the Bengals to wins over San Francisco and Buffalo and had three games with 300+ passing yards? When healthy, Burrow is a top-five quarterback. For the record, Burrow didn’t have top elite wide receivers in 2020. In that season, he had a stretch of five out of six games with 300+ passing yards and two games with three touchdown passes.
Colts Reacts Survey Results: Week 2 at Packers
Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images The Colts travel to historic Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers, hoping for their first win of the 2024 season. How are you feeling, Horseshoe Faithful? The Indianapolis Colts (0-1) (-3) travel to historic Lambeau Field to take on the also winless Green Bay Packers (0-1) after last weekend’s opener. Despite last weekend’s loss, where Indianapolis was outpaced on both sides of the running game, averaging 3.0 yards per carry with star workhorse Jonathan Taylor while allowing an unsettling 5.3 ypc to Houston Texans veteran rusher Joe Mixon (for a Colts team that’s supposed to be consistently “winning in the trenches” I might add), 77% of the Horseshoe faithful still believe that the franchise is headed in the right direction. The promising return debut of 2nd-year starter Anthony Richardson was likely a big reason why—after he made some truly special deep throws with his elite athleticism and arm talent that simply cannot be taught out there (and maybe only a few other NFL QBs can realistically make right now): Cheeseheads aside, Green Bay will look a lot different without ascending young starting quarterback Jordan Love, who while is listed as officially “questionable,” is widely expected to miss Sunday’s game against Indianapolis with a sprained MCL injury. That should only help the Colts chances of winning Sunday, as while Packers backup quarterback Malik Willis, who’s projected to start in relief of Love, presents a different offensive skill-set for the Indianapolis defense to gameplan for with his upgraded mobility to Love, he doesn’t appear to be nearly as polished as a pocket passer right now. Love’s absence will likely be a sigh of relief for an increasingly injured depleted Colts secondary that will be missing starting cornerback JuJu Brents (knee) and safety Julian Blackmon (shoulder) in what was already a fairly thin group. Still, this is the same Colts defense that lost to P.J. Walker, Jake Browning, and Taylor Heinicke as recently as last season. Not to mention, there’s been a long list of backup starting quarterbacks who’ve upset the Colts from Billy Volek to Brandon Weeden. This is the NFL, where there’s a great deal of parity, so a team can’t let off the gas pedal on any given Sunday regardless of what opposing quarterback is behind center. Still, 85% of Colts fans believe that the Colts will prove to be “road warriors” this weekend and get their first win of the 2024 regular season: One of the big returns for the Colts could the regular season debut of 2nd-year starting slot wideout Josh Downs (ankle)—who was a full participant during Friday’s practice. Downs was showing strong rapport with Richardson during early training camp before the high-ankle sprain which has sidelined him, and he should be a welcome return for a Colts passing game that could use his ability to provide a security safety valve over the short-to-intermediate areas of the field—especially with his knack for finding soft spots in zone coverage. Despite only 45% of Colts fans believing that Downs would play (i.e, slightly less than a coin flip), he appears to be on target to play on Sunday—falling well within his initial 4-6 week recovery timeline, after missing Week 1. Fingers crossed.
Raiders Week 2: Winning the battle in the trenches
Las Vegas Raiders left tackle Kolton Miller, top, and the rest of the offensive line must be clicking in order for the team’s offense to truly engage. Controlling the line of scrimmage is a must-do this Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. | Photo by Harry How/Getty Images Las Vegas can ill afford to lose control of line of scrimmage against Baltimore Bully ball. That’s what Antonio Pierce’s Las Vegas Raiders are supposed to embody. A team that is physical, violent, and can “knock you ‘round and upside down”, as famously noted in the lyrics of “The Autumn Wind”. One side of the Silver & Black certainly exuded that play style — the defense. Although, that eventually waned in the fourth and final quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers in the season-opening 22-10 loss this past Sunday. The other side of the Raiders ball — the offense — was quite often devoid of that bully mantra. That group got manhandled by the equally physical and ultimately more violent Chargers defense. Getting pushed around and dominated at the line of scrimmage eroded any consistency the Raiders tried to generate on offense, resulting in punting the ball. The quick three-and-outs eventually fatigued a determined defense and the dam broke in the final stanza against the Bolts. “So, when I say ball control, I want to keep our defense fresh, and I want to be able to finish games in the fourth quarter like what happened to us,” Pierce said the day after the season opener. “A big part of our game is our identity and being physical and being stout at the line scrimmage, and that didn’t happen yesterday. Defensively, it did until the fourth quarter, and they cracked us. It was a couple fits. Again, all fixable things.” Time to become Fix It Felix (of Wreck It Ralph fame) this week. Because the Raider are going to need it. Andre James struggled all game and he was late to pick up this stunt which led to the sack. Minshew could have dumped it off to Bowers though and maybe he gets in field goal range pic.twitter.com/wjkzB5TrDk — Marcus Johnson (@TheMarcJohnNFL) September 9, 2024 If Pierce is to go get his football team where they want to go — the playoffs and a shot at the Lombardi Trophy — the Raiders can ill afford to lose the battle in the trenches again. Las Vegas must win the control of the line of scrimmage — on offense and defense — if it is to have a chance at making a go of things during the 2024 campaign. The initial result was a face plant of embarrassing proportions. Fortunately, there are 16 more regular season games to get things right. Las Vegas faces another stout test in Week 2 when it travels to meet the Baltimore Ravens this coming Sunday for an early Eastern time zone matchup. Baltimore is in get-right mode, too, after falling 27-20 in its opener against the Kansas City Chiefs and is expected to be more rested than Las Vegas due to playing on Thursday, Sept. 5, as compared to the Raiders (Sunday, Sept. 8). And like the Chargers, the Ravens also boast an impressive interior defensive line. The Silver & Black interior offensive line had issues against the Bolts middle front, particularly center Andre James and left guard Cody Whitehair. And, unless the Raiders figure things out quickly, they can find themselves overpowered by Ravens nose tackle Michael Pierce (6-foot, 355 pounds) and defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike (6-foot-3, 305 pounds). While the struggles from left tackle Kolton Miller can be attributed to missing a chunk of practice time for Las Vegas, that’s not something that can be said about either James or Whitehair. Even right tackle Thayer Munford Jr., who also struggled. The only Raiders offensive lineman that showcased well is right guard Dylan Parham. With 2024 second-round pick Jackson Powers-Johnson still making his way back from an ailment that caused him to miss a chunk of time like Miller, Las Vegas is going likely to roll with the same group and must have a better and focused showing to have a shot against Baltimore. Being able to anchor and not lose any ground while driving the Ravens front will be difficult, the Raiders have no choice but to be on point up front to get the offense going. Lest, it be a struggle like in L.A. “Yeah, we didn’t finish. We didn’t finish up front,” Pierce said of the run game woes in Week 1. “Running backs got to stay on track and we got run with better pad level with our backs overall. I mean, some of these tackles, we got breakthrough arm tackles. And I think just up front, we got to finish. We got to stay on our blocks. I mean, they did an outstanding job. Hats off to them. They finished blocks and finished plays, and we didn’t. And that has to start with us as coaches and the players doing it.” Christian Wilkins shows great lateral movement as he controls his gap. Causes Joe Alt to run into his RB. Destroys the run play all on his own! #StopTheRun #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/n7ASkTiIDz — DLineVids (@dlinevids1) September 8, 2024 And it’s not only for the offense’s sake. Winning the battle in the trenches parlays itself into sustained drives for offensive coordinator Luke Getsy’s crew while giving defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s unit a much needed breather. When Pierce noted his team needed that Mad Maxx energy (referring to defensive end Maxx Crosby’s apparently limitless stamina), it wasn’t hyperbole. It’s stone cold truth. Because for how well the Raiders defense played for most of the game against the Chargers, the 61-yard gallop by J.K. Dobbins cracked the Silver & Black, as Pierce noted. “Yeah, that’s just football. And that’s what keeps you humble in this game; you never have all the answers,” Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins said. “The job’s never done until it’s completely done, but
