Things may seem bleak at the moment for the Raiders. But their next opponent is plenty beatable. In fact, in many ways, these two teams are very similar. They even have the same record (2-2). So while there are some causes for concern, there are reasons for optimism as well.
Bo Nix still finding his way
Nix is a rookie starter and he’s has plenty of issues finding his footing in the NFL. He has thrown all of ONE touchdown pass all season to go with four interceptions. That ain’t great.
Last week the Broncos beat the Jets, but it wasn’t on Nix’s arm. He had just 12 completions in the game. He did throw is lone touchdown pass in the game, but it was to a wide open Courtland Sutton and his pass made the catch a lot harder than it had to be. The defense is carrying this team right now, but the Raiders just beat a team whose strength is defense, but whose QB lost the game for them.
Maxx Crosby might play
While we lament the sheer number of injuries on this Raiders team — and there are a lot of them — the most important player on the team returned to practice Friday and has a chance to play. His return to the lineup would be huge for this Raiders defense that were blown out by the Panthers when Crosby was hobbled and in and out the game with his high ankle sprain.
Crosby is officially Questionable for the game. And in the immortal words of Lloyd Christmas “So, you’re telling me there’s a chance!”
Figuring out the ground game
Last week against the Browns, the Raiders seemed to figure some things out. They ended up eclipsing their entire season total rushing yards over the first three games. They did it in two ways — first by spreading the defense out with sweeps and reverses and second by handing the ball to Alexander Mattison.
This week they were making the change to giving Mattison the bulk of the carries anyway, but Zamir White and his three yards per carry aren’t even available.
Mattison put up 60 yards on five carries last week (12 yards per carry). It will be interesting to see what he can do with feature back carries. And if the Raiders can continue to be creative to keep the defense from stacking the box, they could be in business.