The Las Vegas Raiders will be tested against the Los Angeles Chargers coming up on Monday Night Football. As always, the Raiders offense will likely be the unit to lead the team to a win on Monday. Here are three matchups to keep an eye on during the game.
Alex Leatherwood vs Joey Bosa
Get ready, rookie! A rough start for Alex Leatherwood only gets tougher on Monday night as Joey Bosa is his next matchup. Raiders fans are no strangers to Joey Bosa, who is arguably the best pass rusher in the NFL. For Leatherwood, he must improve this week, as thus far, he has been one of the worst offensive tackles in the league. Sporting a 34.6 Pro Football Focus rating, Bosa will eat him alive if given the opportunity. As such, look for the Raiders to establish the run and dominate in the short game on Monday.
Derek Carr vs Asante Samuel, Jr.
Like his father before him, Asante Samuel Jr. excels at taking the football away from the offense. Three games into his rookie season, and the youngster already has two interceptions. As such, Derek Carr would be smart not to attack him too often. Luckily for the Raiders, Carr has been fantastic at limiting turnovers thus far. Regardless, if he is not careful, Samuel Jr. can flip the game on its head.
Josh Jacobs vs The Whole Defense
So far, the Los Angeles Chargers have the worst rushing defense in the NFL, allowing 170 yards per game. However, the Raiders running game has been anemic to this point, averaging just 91.3 yards per game. Somethings got to give in Los Angeles on Monday night. Alas, the Raiders might have a big weapon on the way. After playing in just one game so far, running back, Josh Jacobs may be back for this week. Listed as questionable by Jon Gruden, Jacobs has practiced multiple times this week. Truthfully, the return of Jacobs could be the difference in this one as the Raiders could use him to bolster an already dynamic offense.
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*Top Photo: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images