Three Questions: Raiders/Cowboys Preview
In three days, the Oakland Raiders meet the Dallas Cowboys. Moreover, the Raiders need to show improvements on both sides. While this game does not show up in the standings in September, results remain important. Granted, no one will remember the score. Yet, how the Raiders execute needs to show signs of life. The offense plays like a juggernaut. On the other hand, the defense continues to find new and inventive ways to surrender yards. For the Raiders to win, they need to answer these questions.
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Will the defense wake up?
After making Jared Goff look like Joe Montana, the Raiders prepare to test Dak Prescott. For all of his skill mixed with intangibles, Prescott enjoys the luxury of an elite offense line. From Tyron Smith to La’el Collins, Dallas gives Prescott an eternity to scan the field. Under the consequences, the Raiders need to throw the house at the quarterback. Consequently, this exposes the secondary. No one needs to see a Raiders corner get roasted. Provided that John Pagano bring innovation and tighter schemes to the table. Sadly, this defense feels thrown together.
Can David Sharpe win the starting RT job this week?
Ideally, no. Though Sharpe could play a solid right tackle, too many other Raiders could lay claim to that starting spot. Unlike the other contenders, Sharpe possesses immediate upside. That is to say, he could start tomorrow, and still improve. Plus, Sharpe seems like the moldable clay that offensive line coaches can turn into a finished product.
Can TJ Carrie still open eyes?
At this point, Carrie will not surprise any coach. After years of available film tape, Carrie’s goals need a bit of reforming. While he is a respected veteran that works hard, he is not a starting NFL corner. In other words, subpackages should help him this year. Carrie does play the slot fairly often. When playing Dallas, Carrie could see time versus slot wideout Cole Beasley. Beasley is one of the league’s best. However, Carrie matches up with him. First, Carrie may own a little more speed against Beasley. In return, this could prevent long touchdown passes. In contrast, Carrie does not have the change of directions and wiggle. So, he could fall prey to a quick move to get outside leverage.
In essence, the Raiders need a strong showing versus Dallas. Now is the time to take control of an actual game and execute
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