The Las Vegas Raiders defense just can’t seem to catch a break in 2020, and it won’t get easier with the Indianapolis Colts.
In Week 13, the defense helped deliver a huge win after Henry Ruggs III caught a game-winning touchdown. While the moment was big for the unit, the season as a whole has been a struggle. Whether it’s been a dormant pass-rush or giving up passes every week, it’s been a bad year. By now, the Raiders’ celebration of last week’s victory should be long over with the ‘Horseshoe’ coming into town.
The Philip Rivers-led Colts have thrown for 3,184 yards, and rank 11th in the NFL. Rivers has tossed 18 touchdowns this year and while he’s showing his age in 2020, he can still sling it. This is something the Raiders defense cannot take lightly. If defending their two wide receivers was enough, ‘Indy’ also has a talented running back stable.
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Who Should The Raiders Be Paying Attention To On Sunday?
The Colts have two wide receivers that’ll test the young Raiders secondary on Sunday. T.Y. Hilton and Zach Pascal have combined for 74 receptions and four touchdowns. The touchdown stat can be deceiving at first sight, but this is because Rivers spreads the ball around. The team’s two tight ends, Jack Doyle and Trey Burton have six touchdowns combined, with running back Nyheim Hines adding four of his own.
On the ground, the Colts have Hines, who besides being a good receiver can also run the ball. He’s averaging 3.3 yards a rush, however, it’s Jonathon Taylor that pounds the ball for ‘Indy’. He’s eclipsed the 90-yard rushing mark these past two weeks with an increasing workload. Taylor will definitely cause problems for the Raiders defense, he already has six broken tackles and has 237 yards after contact.
Raider Nation can fully expect for Rivers to air out and step on the gas from the outset, his hatred for the Raiders is unmatched. We can only hope Paul Guenther’s unit can deliver a solid performance, as the offense will look to continue their efficient play.
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*Top Photo: Dylan Bouscher/Bay Area News Group