Cue the oddly timed patriotism and horrid hip-hop tie-ins (sorry, Quavo. Fly away on your own time). Football season has arrived. Let’s look at some names on defense to watch when the Las Vegas Raiders take on their favorite hapless, homeless divisional foe, the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders DT John Jenkins will need to be stout vs. the run
If we know one thing about new Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, it’s that his excellent NFL track record proceeds him.
What’s that? Oh, that’s his brother John.
Well, one thing we do know is that Jim won’t be out-coached on the biggest stage.
Wait, he did get out-coached. By John Harbaugh.
Okay, I can say this with 100% certainty. Jim will run a clean, drama-free program. No, I haven’t watched Sign Stealer on Netflix. Why do you ask?
All jokes aside, Harbaugh and his offensive coordinator, Greg Roman, are going to run the football. Like, a lot. Las Vegas is going to get a steady dose of former Raven running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards on the ground. Fortunately, for Raider fans, new defensive tackle Christian Wilkins will be a sure-run stuffer for the Silver and Black. However, it will take more than one man to overcome a shaky track record for Patrick Graham-led units.
John Jenkins was a major bright spot on the defensive line for the Raiders in 2023. The eleven-year vet provides some push up the middle when rushing the passer, but he is not slouch against the run himself. If things go Vegas’ way, he will form a formidable tandem with the aforementioned Wilkins.
Can Divine Deablo hold strong on the second level?
Divine Deablo is more than just the coolest name in professional football. The fourth-year man is one of the keys to the Raiders defense, possibly a top unit. Deablo’s traits and measurables are off the charts, but health has kept a lid on his potential. His versatility as a second-level linebacker will be tested Sunday. As mentioned above, the Chargers are going to run the air out of the ball.
Deablo’s running mate Robert Spillane can hold his own in that department, but can El Diablo follow suit?
It’s time for Jakorian Bennett to earn his nickname…
Jakorian Bennett transitioned from having the coolest government name to adopting the coldest nickname in football. Last offseason, after a number change, rookie Jakorian Bennett coined himself “Sub-Zero.” Ironically, most of Bennett’s matchups in 2023 would toast him. Despite his lackluster rookie campaign, it seems the Maryland grad has made a significant improvement. Bennett was not a lock to start opposite Jack Jones when camp convened, but his play earned the role.
After a solid preseason, the football gods in Outworld have smiled upon Bennett. Los Angeles no longer boasts an intimidating stable of receivers. Stopping players like Quentin Johnson, Joshua Palmer, and Ladd McConkey will be Jakorian’s task.
No, I didn’t make up a stereotypical white name to drive home the point.
That being said, Joshua Palmer did cook Bennett on a crucial deep ball last season, but that’s the beauty of Mortal Kombat. There’s always Round 2.
*Top Photo: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
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