Whether quarterback Baker Mayfield starts for the Los Angeles Rams or not this Thursday, it’s not changing much for the Las Vegas Raiders in terms of preparation.
The Raiders’ next opponent has been hit hard by the injury bug, so much so that they’re down most of their star players. Among them is quarterback Matthew Stafford. Finally placed on IR recently, the decision left them thin at quarterback. With Thursday Night Football now less than two days away, the move for Mayfield is one of desperation. When a team that’s 4-8 decides you’re not worth it, you likely aren’t considered much of an “impact” player. When asked about Mayfield and if his possibly starting would change anything in relation to the game plan, Chandler Jones was somewhat dismissive.
“Nah. Obviously, Baker’s had a lot of success. I don’t know if he’s going to play or not. We’re just focused on us and getting better every day. So, we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Baker Mayfield vs. the Raiders: We meet again?
According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, an anonymous source told him that “there’s a shot” that Mayfield starts on Thursday. It’s certainly going to be interesting if he does; if anything, it’ll make for an interesting story. As far as the Raiders are concerned, they’ve faced Mayfield twice. This was back in 2018 and 2020. Mayfield threw for two touchdowns and two interceptions with a pedestrian 50 percent completion rate. To be honest, these aren’t exactly snazzy figures. However, the Raiders’ defense cannot sleep on Mayfield or the Rams offense. With so much on the line, the Raiders need to put away the Rams early and prevent any sort of Nick Mullens-type scenario. Maybe Patrick Graham should pull up some of Mayfield’s Week 11 tape.
Can Jones have himself another multi-sack performance? Thank you very much.
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