This Sunday, the Los Angeles Chargers take on the Las Vegas Raiders in a win-or-go-home contest.
Here are a few Raiders players who the Bolts must hone in on to increase their chances of making it to the playoffs.
WR Hunter Renfrow
In Year 3, Renfrow has enjoyed a lot of success. Renfrow recently topped the 1,000-yard mark (1,025), is one reception shy of 100, and has seven touchdowns to go along with it. Furthermore, he is nearing in on becoming the second receiver since 1992 to catch at least 80% of his targets in a season. The other was Michael Thomas. With the ability to set up cornerbacks with his quicks and route savvy and reel in everything thrown in his direction, Renfrow won’t be an easy task.
TE Darren Waller
The Raiders’ offense hasn’t been as efficient, and a lot of it has to do with Waller, who missed multiple weeks due to injuries and COVID-19. But it appears that he is trending towards making his return this weekend. In 10 games, Waller has 53 receptions for 643 yards and two touchdowns. In Week 4, when the two teams met, he posted four receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown. Currently, the Chargers allow the most yards (1,098) and scores (13) to opposing tight ends.
EDGE Maxx Crosby
If there’s one way of slowing down Herbert, it’s by getting pressure on him in a hurry. It remains to be seen whether Storm Norton or Trey Pipkins will get the start at right tackle, but regardless, the premier pass rusher must be mitigated at all costs. Crosby has a whopping 90 pressures, 65 hurries, 17 hits, and eight sacks this season. So look for the Chargers to likely chip block him and move the pocket to aid that side.
CB Nate Hobbs
Hobbs, the stud rookie slot corner, was arrested less than a week ago for a DUI. Despite his actions, Hobbs will not be disciplined and will play this weekend, which creates a challenge for Keenan Allen. According to Pro Football Focus, in the Chargers and Raiders’ first meeting, Hobbs limited Allen to one catch for two yards. Hobbs has allowed just 33 yards in 2021 at 8.1 yards per reception. He has yet to surrender a touchdown, with the longest completion into his coverage going for 34 yards.
CB Casey Hayward
Next to Hobbs on the outside is the former Charger who’s playing some outstanding football. Hayward has been beaten for just 298 total yards and one touchdown on 604 coverage snaps in 2021. When Los Angeles and Las Vegas earlier this season, Hayward gave up just two receptions on four targets for 13 yards, with a long of nine.