The blueprint to defeating quarterback Tom Brady has always been to rattle him and bring him down, which will be true for the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.
A lot of attention has been placed on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense and rightfully so. They are playing at a high level. Be that as it may, the key for the Raiders will be to get to Brady, and bringing constant pressure will be of the utmost importance.
This begs the question, can the Raiders defensive line rise to the occasion? All eyes will particularly be on defensive ends Clelin Ferrell and Maxx Crosby. Will they be able to bring ’12’ down? They have to and they should as the two Las Vegas sophomores are having solid seasons. Crosby has recorded four sacks and Ferrell has 16 total pressures but has yet to notch that all-important sack.
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Can Raiders DE Ferrell Register His First Sack Against Brady?
Nothing would excite Raider Nation more than to see 2019’s fourth overall pick register his first 2020 sack against Brady. Watching Crosby bring down the NFL’s golden boy would also leave fans in as much jubilation as well to be fair. Nevertheless, it won’t be an easy task for the duo. Tampa Bay has done a good job of keeping Brady upright in 2020. Ironically, both he and Raiders quarterback Derek Carr have only been sacked eight times.
This season, Brady has been blitzed 44 times and opposing defenses have landed 21 hits. Brady’s also getting 2.5 seconds of pocket time, which is measured from the time he takes snaps to his throw. Considering the protection, it will not be an easy day for Ferrell and Crosby.
Tampa’s tackles are Tristan Wirfs and Donovan Smith, both of whom are having excellent seasons. Pro Football Focus grades Wirfs’ pass-blocking at 76.9 and Smith’s at 68.3 for 2020. With a lot riding on this game, it will be imperative that the two defensive ends bring their A-game against this ferocious unit.
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