After an exhilarating win on Monday night, the Las Vegas Raiders travel across the country tomorrow. Facing the always tough Pittsburgh Steelers, the two will renew one of the NFL’s oldest rivalries. Here is what the Silver and Black have to do to earn a win on Sunday.
Get somewhat healthy…
Reading the Raiders’ injury list for this week was akin to reading Sun Tzu’s, The Art of War. It’s a robust list that features many key players. We have already learned that running back Josh Jacobs will not be playing. Guard Richie Incognito seems to be trending in that direction as well. In the case of Jacobs, the Raiders have a more than competent backup in Kenyan Drake. For others, this is not the case. With nine other starters listed, the Raiders will have to heal up quickly to take down one of the AFC’s best.
Neutralize Pittsburgh’s pass rush
Featuring elite talents in T.J. Watt and Cameron Hayward, the Steelers’ rush group is one of the best in the league. Add in the juice provided by Melvin Ingram and Alex Highsmith, and we have a defense that can wreak havoc with ease. Making matters worse is that the Raiders are likely to be without guards, Richie Incognito and Denzelle Good. Thrown into the fire last week, John Simpson and Jermaine Eluemunor will have an even more challenging assignment this week. If the Raiders can manage the pressure applied by Pittsburgh, they will drastically improve their chances of winning.
Get Henry Ruggs III involved early and often!
With cornerback Joe Haden questionable to play in this one, the Steelers are potentially very weak at the position. While they still have All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, he will likely be preoccupied with tight-end Darren Waller. As mentioned countless times by Raiders fans, the team must do a better job of getting last year’s first-rounder the ball. Simply put, Henry Ruggs III is too good of a player to be misused. Jon Gruden and Derek Carr would be wise to use him early and often on these routes in this contest.
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*Top Photo: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports