The Oakland Raiders have done something incredible, and nobody is talking about it. Despite history saying the Raiders are terrible on the road, the Silver and Black have started off 2-0 as visitors. This week, they travel to Maryland to take on the Baltimore Ravens, and they’ll look to extend that streak to three.
Oakland Raiders Week Four Keys to Victory
The Quarterback Must Go Down, and He Must Go Down Hard
Despite having more talented pass rushers than most of the league, the Raiders have struggled mightily to hit the quarterback. Only the New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, and Pittsburgh Steelers have registered fewer sacks than the Raiders so far this season.
While Oakland has been missing the services of Aldon Smith and Mario Edwards Jr., Khalil Mack has been struggling as a defensive end. After three weeks, the All-Pro has failed to register a single sack, and the Raider Nation has noticed. Either Ken Norton Jr. and Jack Del Rio need to let Mack return to his natural position as a linebacker, or they need to find ways to take advantage of all his double teams. Bruce Irvin has failed to make an impact as a pass rusher, and that must change.
Fortunately for Mack and Irvin, the Ravens have given up six sacks in three games against mediocre pass rushes. Joe Flacco has been hit 19 times and hasn’t faced anyone as talented as Khalil Mack yet. The Raiders need to take advantage of a shaky offensive line that is missing Kelechi Osemele terribly (who departed to Oakland via free agency), and knock Joe Flacco around.
Speed Kills… Corners
So far this season, Sean Smith and the Raider secondary have struggled with fast receivers, which is an area of strength for the Ravens. Mike Wallace and Breshad Perriman are a couple of speedy pass catchers, and Joe Flacco has the arm to throw it deep. Smith, David Amerson, and rookie Karl Joseph are going to have their hands full against these speedy receivers.
If the pass rush doesn’t show up for a fourth straight week, the Raider secondary will be pressured. The Ravens rushing attack is dreadful, and shouldn’t give the defense as much trouble as DeMarco Murray did last week, but these receivers might. Don’t be surprised if the Ravens take advantage of Oakland’s troubled secondary.
Business As Usual
The Oakland Raider offense is no joke. From Derek Carr to Michael Crabtree to Latavius Murray, this unit is clicking. There have been some criticisms of offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave, but the offense produces. Anchored by the best offensive line in football, the Raiders have had no problem running or passing the ball so far this year.
The Ravens defense is good. Only the Seattle Seahawks have given up fewer yards, and they boast nine sacks after three weeks. However, they remain mostly untested. The Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, and Jacksonville Jaguars are a combined 1-8 so far this season, and none of their offenses are in the top 15.
This will be a big test for Oakland’s offense and Baltimore’s defense. Whichever unit comes out and plays like they have been so far this season will probably earn the victory.
