The Las Vegas Raiders enter Week 7, coming off an impressive win. We’ve heard plenty about the rough week the Silver and Black had coming into Denver. Then, the Raiders trounced their division rival, and many Raiders fans regained their faith. Now, the Raiders come back home with a 4-2 record, taking on the Eagles, who sport a 2-4 record. Here are three things the Raiders must do to secure a win today.
Pressure the quarterback
Surprisingly, this hasn’t been a problem for the Raiders this year. After watching a bad pass rush for as long as any member of Raider Nation can remember, watching this defensive line do their thing has been quite the refreshment.
The entire defense has benefitted from the increased pass rush, and it’s been the best weapon on the Raiders defense. Philadelphia’s offense revolves around their young quarterback in Jalen Hurts, and Las Vegas will need to be in his face today. The Raiders have had the most success on defense when they get to the quarterback, which rang true against Lamar Jackson and Justin Herbert. Jalen Hurts is a solid player, and the Raiders will need to keep him contained.
Get Hunter Renfrow going early
The Raiders offense usually works best when Renfrow is involved, and Derek Carr will need to use Renfrow as his security blanket today.
Renfrow will be facing a tough matchup against the Eagles’ nickel corner Avonte Maddox. Maddox has sneakily been one of the better defenders in the league this season, and through six weeks, he’s allowed just 97 yards while allowing just 15 catches on 23 attempts.
That will be a key matchup in the game. The Raiders shouldn’t force the ball to Renfrow, but getting him in open space through pick plays and rub routes will be important. When Carr can reliably target Renfrow, the offense is working, allowing more space for Darren Waller, Henry Ruggs III, and Bryan Edwards to work.
Contain DeVonta Smith
The Eagles used the 10th overall pick on Smith for good reason. DeVonta is an electric receiver, and it’s not surprising that he leads his team in yards with 345 and receptions with 27.
Smith’s primary defender this week will be Casey Hayward Jr. Hayward has played the most coverage snaps of any cornerback in the NFL without allowing a touchdown, and he’s going to have to keep that stat alive this week if the Raiders want to win. With his safety in Week 3, Hayward has scored more points for his team than he’s given up, which is an insane stat for a cornerback.
The Eagles love to throw the ball to Smith, and the Raiders love to watch Hayward lock up opposing receivers. That will be a big matchup, and the winner will have a lot to do with the outcome of the game today.
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*Top Photo: Naomi Baker/Getty Images