With the winless Bengals coming to Oakland on Sunday, it might seem as though the Raiders have an easy task this week — just roll the football out there and voilà, another win notched, and a 6-4 record secured.
But the Raiders must beware — this game is a trap.
As in, it’s a classic trap game. The Raiders are riding high after two consecutive home wins, and upon receiving positive press during an extra-long layoff after a Thursday night game, it’s human nature to relax at least a bit, especially with an 0-9 Cincinnati team on deck.
Here are the Raiders to watch as the team looks to maintain its edge and keep pace in the AFC West.
1. DE Clelin Ferrell
Defensive end Clelin Ferrell had his best game as a professional in the Raiders’ win Thursday night, notching 2.5 quarterback sacks against the Chargers. As the No. 4 overall choice in the 2019 draft, it was a performance that was overdue.
Ferrell has a great opportunity this week to keep rolling. Bengals quarterbacks have been sacked 31 times this season, and if the Raiders’ offense can get off to a quick start, Cincinnati’s rookie QB, Ryan Finley, will drop back plenty, giving Ferrell ample opportunity to attack the backfield.
Also, keep an eye on fellow rookie DE, Maxx Crosby, and veteran DE Benson Mayowa. But as the No. 4 pick in the draft, even general manager Mike Mayock is watching Ferrell closely.
“We asked him to play a bunch inside, and that’s hard. He’s never played inside in his life,” Mayock said, per Matt Kawahara of The San Francisco Chronicle. Mayock pointed out that Ferrell played the majority of his snaps on the edge and thrived in the Raiders’ wins against the Lions and Chargers.
Watch to see if Ferrell can continue his momentum. He doesn’t have to increase his sack total to accomplish this. Simply setting the edge and disrupting the offense, especially the quarterback, is fantastic progress for the rookie. If he can do that consistently, he’s sure to finish the job and sack the QB with regularity.
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