Week Four saw the Oakland Raiders score a clutch touchdown with time winding down to upset an undefeated Baltimore Ravens squad. Against the San Diego Chargers this week, a true “team” effort will be required if the Silver and Black are to come out on top.
Oakland Raiders Week Five Keys to Victory
Raiders on Offense
The Raiders’ best player this year is Derek Carr. There’s no player more responsible for the Raiders success than him. If the Raiders are going to beat a weak Chargers team, they’re going to need another solid if not spectacular effort from Carr. Through four weeks the Chargers are giving up an average of 27 points per game while the Raiders are scoring an average of 27 points per game. Where San Diego struggles is against the pass, ranking 27th in the league. So far they’ve let opposing quarterbacks throw for 289 yards per game, allowing seven touchdowns to six interceptions.
This spells bad news for San Diego. Oakland has the most dynamic offense they’ll have faced all season. The Raiders offensive line is one of the best, if not the best, in the NFL. Carr has been sacked twice in four games. And one of the sacks Carr scrambled out of bounds at the line of scrimmage. The Chargers lack a pass rushing punch on defense already, they’ll face an uphill battle on Sunday when trying to make Carr uncomfortable.
In addition to being able to sit in the pocket unscathed, Carr has two legitimate number one receivers in Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree. Both have found success this year and while Crabtree leads the team with four touchdown catches, this could be the week Cooper finally finds pay dirt. Crabtree will get added attention more often than not, so look for Cooper to take advantage of a weaker secondary.
The Raiders will try to jump out to a fast start on offense and take a multiple score lead in the first half. The team’s aggressive vertical strike offense has been relatively held in check the past few weeks against stiffer defenses. The Chargers are not very good at any level of the defense so Carr will again likely have plenty of time to take his shots downfield. Of course, if the Raiders do secure an early lead, look for them to also control the clock and run the ball with their fifth ranked rushing attack against a defense that is only giving up an average of 84 yards a game.
Advantage: Oakland
Chargers on Offense
The Chargers are 1-3 this year but don’t put all the blame on Philip Rivers. Rivers has lost his number one and number two receivers to the season. Antonio Gates hasn’t played the past two weeks, yet somehow Rivers still has the Chargers offense ranked third in points scored and eighth in passing offense. Second year running back Melvin Gordon is only averaging 57 yards per game on the ground but is leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns. Outside of these two players the Chargers offense is made up of unknown role players thrust into the starting lineup and an unimpressive offensive line.
Tyrell Williams, Travis Benjamin, and Dontrelle Inman will try and take advantage of an Oakland defense that’s giving up 446 yards per game. None of these players are truly game changers but can do damage against a subpar defense. The Raiders secondary has played better the past two weeks, but will need to step up again to keep these receivers in check. Tight end Hunter Henry has been very good in place of the injured Gates and seems most likely to have a break out game going up against the Raiders subpar line-backing core.
Last week, the Raiders pass rush was as good as it’s been all season. Khalil Mack finally notched a sack and Bruce Irvin has another strip sack. More importantly the front seven was constantly beating the Ravens blockers and putting hits on Joe Flacco. The Raiders will need a similar, if not better performance from their front seven if they want to stop Rivers. Rivers is tough, so the Raiders will have to hit him hard and often if they want to make him uncomfortable and slow down the Chargers’ offense.
Advantage: Chargers
Special Teams
Marquette King has been downright spectacular. He’s averaging 50 yards per punt and has landed 11 punts inside the opponents’ 20-yard line. He has that rare ability to completely change field position and the Raiders have given up only one return more than 20 yards all season. Sebastian Janikowski remains as reliable as place kickers come and has a booming leg on kickoffs.
For the Chargers, Josh Lambo has made eight of nine field goal attempts and 13 of 14 PAT attempts. While not spectacular numbers, he is consistent. Punter Drew Kaser is averaging 40.5 yards per punt and only landed three punts inside the 20-yard line. The Chargers are very average on special teams coverage, but have yet to give up any plays more than 25 yards on a single return.
Advantage: Raiders
How the Raiders Win
For the Raiders, it’s very simple. Get out to a big lead, then assert your will on the ground. If Carr gets into a rhythm early it will be a long day for the Chargers’ defense. Then in the second half if the Raiders can keep the ball away from Rivers and keep their defense rested and hungry this game will not be close. The Raiders are the better and more talented team at every position, save maybe a push at quarterback. Look for Khalil Mack and company to get after the quarterback the most they’ve gotten all season.
How the Chargers Win
For the Chargers to pull off the upset they’ll need to get Melvin Gordon going early and often to take the heat off Rivers. If they can run the ball effectively and limit the Raiders pass rush they’ll be able to keep up on the score board. Hunter Henry will have to find open seams against the Raiders line-backing corps and secondary, thus allowing perimeter receivers to face more single coverage. On defense they’ll have to stop the Raiders rushing attack completely and then find a way to get to Carr. If they can get to Carr and keep the Raiders potent offense off the field, the Chargers can fly home Sunday night with a divisional road win.
