Cancelled Flight: How the Raiders Need to Stop the Jets Offense
As the Raiders prepare for the New York Jets, one thing remains important. Under no circumstance must Oakland become overconfident. Under those circumstances, do not read the paper or check for the point spread. On the other hand, fans already marked this game as a win. Yet, the adage about “any give Sunday” proves prophetic. The Raiders could lose to the Jets. Will they? No one knows until the final gun. To defeat the Jets, Oakland’s defense needs to step forward and be ready to play. New York will not simply lie down. With that said, here’s how to stop the Jets offense.
Rush Just Four
Despite tallying one sack versus Tennessee, the Raiders don’t need to throw the kitchen sink at Jets’ quarterback Josh McCown. At the present time, McCown is not a threat to break contain or heave sixty-yard passes. Currently, he is a veteran placeholder while Bryce Petty gets ready. Plus, the Raiders are not facing a quality line. With holes all over those five sports, the smart money says to send four rushers upfield. If the defensive end opposite Mack cannot defeat single blocking, Oakland has deeper issues. Expect the Raiders to either get home often or pressure constantly.
Forte
During his tenure in Chicago, many regarded Matt Forte as an elite back. Blessed with vision, hands and decent speed, he terrorized defense. Now, playing behind a suspect line on legs that carry mileage, he is not the same. Be that as it may, the Raiders need to watch for swing passes and the occasional out route. While Forte looks to have lost a step, his hands still work. He could make the Raiders pay for poor technique or sloppy tackling.
Man Up
With the departures of Decker and Marshall, New York lacks a true number one. So, the Raiders can afford to not provide help. Although, Jermaine Kearse does provide an intriguing challenge at wide receiver. Granted, Kearse does boast 4.4 speed. However, his running style is more important that a stopwatch. When Kearse runs vertical routes, he gathers speed, rather than exploding off the line. Meaning, due to how he strides affects his ability to beat a corner deep. Unlike Brandin Cooks, who roasted Sean Smith last season, Kearse needs space to get on top of the corner. In return, the Raiders corners need to mug him legally within five yards. This will slightly throw off his route.
In reality, many consider this game a potential destruction. Yet, these serve as trap game that will lull a team into a false sense of security. Plus, the Raiders still have numerous defensive shortcomings. Hopefully, Oakland puts this game out of reach.
AROUND COVER32
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