In Week 4, there aren’t too many games that Las Vegas can be a predictable winner, but a crucial divisional clash awaits between two teams with 1-2 records.
The Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers find themselves in this scenario, where the team that loses will see a setback in their season.
The Raiders will aim to upset, especially after the Chargers secured their first win in a tough battle against the winless Minnesota Vikings.
The pressure is mounting, and if Las Vegas doesn’t turn things around quickly, they could find themselves with a potential 1-3 start.
Jimmy Garoppolo’s status in doubt, Hoyer or O’Connell will have to step up
In the absence of an update on Jimmy Garoppolo’s status as he undergoes concussion protocol. The Las Vegas Raiders may have to turn to their backups ahead of week 4. Veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer and rookie Aidan O’Connell will be available this weekend. It’s a critical decision if Garoppolo cannot play on Sunday in Los Angeles.
It might appear that the Raiders would choose their No. 2 quarterback, Brian Hoyer, in this situation, as he’s the one who would step in if Garoppolo couldn’t finish a game.
Rookie Aidan O’Connell is the designated emergency quarterback thus far this season.
However, Coach Josh McDaniels didn’t definitively state that Hoyer would be the starter against the Chargers. He mentioned that he and his coaching staff would need to discuss this decision further.
Hoyer’s extensive experience, having played in 77 games and started 40 games throughout his career since 2009, is likely one of the key reasons why Coach McDaniels, who had previous experience with Hoyer in New England, signed him. His familiarity with the game and his history as a starter make him a valuable option in situations like this.
O’Connell, who has no pro level experience in the NFL, provides another compelling reason why the veteran should be the next in line if Garoppolo can’t play.
Raiders Pass Protection vs. Chargers Pass Rush
It’s challenging to single out one player from each team, as Los Angeles boasts several players capable of pressuring the quarterback, and Las Vegas has demonstrated overall strong pass protection this season.
Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa are the prominent figures on the Chargers’ defensive line, and both have performed well in the early part of the 2023 season, with 12 and eight pressures, respectively.
Rookie Tuli Tuipulotu leads the team with 13 pressures and is currently tied for 10th among edge defenders across the league in this regard.
Adding to that, defensive tackle Morgan Fox has accumulated nine pressures, and the Chargers are averaging three sacks per game. This presents another significant challenge for the Raiders’ offensive line.
No one on Las Vegas’ offensive line has surrendered more than five pressures this season, and as previously mentioned, they are one of the top units in the league in pass protection.
However, the team is coming off their worst performance, allowing 13 of the 18 pressures and all four sacks they’ve given up in September in the game against Pittsburgh, according to PFF.
Can the Raiders struggling D-Line be effective against the Chargers?
Las Vegas made adjustments by moving Maxx Crosby around in the last game to address their pass rush issues. For instance, in the first two games of the season, he had only 15 snaps on the right side, but against Pittsburgh, he had 17 reps on the right. This adjustment appeared to be effective, as the Raiders generated a season-high 19 pressures, with Crosby contributing nine of them.
Given the solid pass protection performance by Los Angeles’ offensive line, it’s possible that Patrick Graham might consider using a similar strategy. Despite having a significant number of pass protection snaps, they’ve only allowed 24 pressures, which is among the lowest in the league. Additionally, the Chargers’ offensive line shares the fifth-best pass-blocking efficiency rating (89.3) with the Raiders.
If Graham potentially shifts Crosby around early in the game to identify any weak spots among the offensive linemen. Although, to capitalize on that by consistently pressuring the vulnerable player with one of the league’s top pass-rushers. In this scenario, center Corey Linsley could be the prime target, as he currently has the lowest PFF pass-blocking grade (54.3) and has surrendered the most pressures (six) for the Chargers.
The Raiders’ strategy of using Crosby on inside rushes and stunts in the previous week is worth monitoring for this upcoming Sunday’s game. It adds an element of unpredictability to their pass-rushing schemes and can create opportunities for Crosby to exploit weaknesses in the offensive line.
It’s still unclear if this Raiders’ defensive line can support Crosby effectively. They’ve remained to be nonexistent in their struggles to bring production. The lack of interior pressure and no support on the opposite end shows its weakness. This is the year that Patrick Graham will see his final year with the team if not solved.
Raiders Secondary will need to isolate the Chargers’ receiving corps
The Raiders will be going up against a high flying Chargers offense that is hot. 11-year wide receiver Keenan Allen is still a primary threat for opposing secondaries. According to Pro Football Focus, he leads the league in receptions (18) and yards (204) as an inside receiver. He also ranks ninth with an 86.0 receiving grade and 2.37 yards per route run which is 12th-best.
Cornerback Nate Hobbs is a solid slot corner for the Raiders. Hobbs currently has 72.4 PFF coverage grade, a top 25 mark so far this season. It’s a concern what will happen after a catch is made from Allen as well.
Since the beginning of the season, Allen has racked up 153 yards after the catch. That is the second most behind Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Still, Allen continues to be dominant in that category at his capacity with the Chargers. Nate Hobbs could tilt this matchup if he can build on the defensive stops he’s been producing this season.
With the loss of Mike Williams last weekend due to an ACL tear, it will be a challenge. Hobbs and Allen will most likely lock in next Sunday on the field. It does put a strain in the Chargers offense as they incorporate new receivers to spread the ball. Nate Hobbs will have Marcus Peters, Jakorian Bennett and David Long as his supporting backfield.
Spread the ball, change up the game plan
It’s been a massive concern that the Raiders haven’t fully utilize their offense yet. We’ve seen Hunter Renfrow, Michael Mayer, and others left out of the game plan as of late. With the offense trying to pair with Jimmy Garoppolo, it’ll be a different story this weekend. Unclear if Garoppolo will play or not, Hoyer or O’Connell will take the reigns on offense.
The offense has struggled with turning over the ball as of late with Garoppolo on the field. It’s worth noting the team has a chance to get everyone going this next game. There hasn’t been too much to evaluate anything positive besides the lack of production with overlooked players on the offense.
You’ve got Hunter Renfrow, rookies Tre Tucker and Michael Mayer to assist the team. All of them have been absent from this lineup due to not being targeted. A prominent slot receiver, speedy receiver and a high round tight end all ready to help win.
We all know what Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers can bring to the team. That’s not a concern. The problem is that this offense is one of highest paid receiving corps in the league. Las Vegas’ management on offense is nothing but inexcusable.
The Chargers have given up 450.7 yards per game this season. Including, the most passing yards in the NFL at 1,011. They have also allowed 29 points per game, the fifth-most in the NFL. The Raiders can capitalize on that if the receiving corps is in motion this Sunday.
Will Josh Jacobs and the run game show up this week?
The most troubling side of the offense has been the Raider running game. Josh Jacobs who just came back barely in August, has struggled. Jacobs, a premier back in the league continues to under produce. Jacobs admitting he is rusty, doesn’t change for how the O-line struggles in their run blocking.
In 45 carries, 108 rushing yards, 10 receptions and no touchdowns, Josh Jacobs remains insufficient. However, the Chargers run defense is not that great either heading into week 4. Jacobs finding his poise to have a breakout game this season is still on his mind. This will only happen if the Raiders offensive line can planish their run blocking effectively.
Even if Jacobs does not score, field position to move the chain will be crucial to seek. Jacobs should be confident to find his stride soon to reclaim his prominent identity as a premier rusher. Nevertheless, the run game has a lot to work on if they want to duplicate their production from last season.
Raiders will have to hold off Chargers in order to be 2-2
With both teams having their defensive woes, there shouldn’t be anything significant. A high scoring game? No. Anything can go either way in this game. If the Raiders want to win, they need to capitalize on turnovers, get their pass game flowing, and operate their drives effectively. The Raiders are in for a long day in Los Angeles on Sunday to avoid a 1-3 start.
