Chances of the Raiders winning on Christmas night in Philadelphia will be very slim. The Philadelphia Eagles are fighting for home field advantage, while some in the Raiders organization will be working as if their jobs depend on it.
How The Raiders Can Play Grinch In Philly
As far as today’s game here are a few reasons why the Silver and Black can leave the “City of Brotherly Love” with a Christmas Day miracle.
Unload The Playbook
What do you have to lose at this point? Run the fakes, flea flickers, deep bombs, screen passes, hook & ladders, and anything else that can be run. Keep the Philadelphia defense guessing and on their toes. It could lead to something that should have been used earlier in the regular season.
Blitz Like Your Hair Is On Fire
No Carson Wentz means that backup Nick Foles can be susceptible to the pressure that John Pagano’s defenders have been providing lately.
Continue to showcase rising talents including Denico Autry, Nicholas Morrow, Justin Ellis, while letting Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin convey damage to the offensive backfield. It will help them blossom into better workers on the field for their respective roads ahead.
Extra Blockers For Carr
With Pro Bowler Donald Penn gone, use Lee Smith, Jared Cook, Jamize Olawale, Vadal Alexander and anybody else who can keep Carr’s jersey clean. Give rookie left tackle Davis Sharpe all the security he needs to have a lengthy Raider stay.
The Weather
The elements will surely come into play on Monday Night Football as well. Rain is expected to flow at Lincoln Financial field, which means ball control will be vital.
Marshawn Lynch, DeAndre Washington, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Jalen Richard should all tote the rock keeping the backs fresh while trying to establish the run in the wet conditions. Look for the receivers to wear sticky gloves if mother nature decides to make her impact on Monday Night Football.
Cook and Crabtree must catch everything that comes their way to provide the spark that lights up the Raiders’ passing game.
If Oakland can snag a few breaks and play wisely, they could pull it out on a cold December road test. A win at this point would not salvage much, but may trigger some much-needed positive vibes heading towards the new year. Until next week Raider Nation, Happy Holidays and Ramble On!