Tag: Las Vegas Raiders news

6 Raiders make NFLPA Players’ Top 5 at their position

NFLPA puts out their list of Top 5 at each position and 6 Raiders make the cut

This year, along with the NFLPA putting out their first ever Players’ 1st Team All Pro, they did something unique. Instead of doing a first and second team the way the AP does, they asked players at each position to give their top five.

Once they tallied up the scores, they put out a top five at each position. The Raiders saw six players make the top five at their position. Those positions are Running back, Fullback, Wide receiver, Edge rusher, Kicker, and Punter.

RB 1. Josh Jacobs (All Pro)
FB 4. Jakob Johnson
WR 2. Davante Adams (All Pro)
ED 3. Maxx Crosby
K 2. Daniel Carlson
P 3. AJ Cole

It’s notable that even though Adams was named number two behind Justin Jefferson that it was Adams who was named first team All Pro. So, these top fives don’t line up like a simple first team, second team, third team type of thing.

Raiders players who may have made the list in years past, but whose 2022 seasons were upended by injuries include TE Darren Waller and LB Denzel Perryman. Should they return to health and to form, they could push to make the team next season.

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4 defensive keys to a Chargers victory over Raiders in Week 1

Here’s what the Chargers must do on the defensive side of the ball to defeat the Raiders.

We’re mere days away from the Chargers kicking off their 2022 season against the rival Las Vegas Raiders.

Starting lineups are beginning to crystallize, injury reports are finalizing, and football is back.

Here are some keys to the game on defense to ensure Los Angeles comes away 1-0:

Rattle Derek Carr

The stats match the eye test with Carr, revealing a quarterback who gets flustered when the rush begins to close in. Per Pro Football Focus, Carr’s turnover-worthy play percentage on all plays in 2021 was 3.2%, good for 13th in the league, along with Josh Allen, Dak Prescott, and Matt Ryan. But when the pressure starts to get home, Carr’s turnover-worthy play percentage jumps to 7%, the fifth highest in the league. Only Ben Roethlisberger, Jimmy Garoppolo, Tua Tagovailoa, and Sam Darnold were worse under pressure last season. Of those four, Tagovailoa is the only one with a starting job in 2022. With a weak offensive line in front of him, scheming ways to get Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack into the pocket will force Carr into mistakes.

Limit Davante Adams

You’ll never completely shut Adams down, especially now that he’s back playing with his college quarterback. But limiting his impact on this game will undoubtedly be a point of emphasis. If JC Jackson can play, it’s an easy fix: put Jackson on an island with Adams, hope your guy wins, and move on. But if Jackson can’t go as he continues to rehab from ankle surgery, Brandon Staley and defensive coordinator Renaldo Hill will have to get more creative. Neither Michael Davis nor Asante Samuel Jr. has the chops to stick with Adams one-on-one. LA will have to dedicate more safety help, likely from Nasir Adderley, in zone looks to keep Adams honest.

Hold up in run defense.

This goes without saying, considering Josh Jacobs ran for 132 yards on 26 carries in Week 18 last season. LA reinforced the defensive line this offseason and kept vaunted run stopper Breiden Fehoko over Christian Covington, who’s more of a pass rush specialist from the interior. Jacobs was 37th in the league in rushing DVOA among running backs with at least 100 carries last season, so his standout performance against the Chargers wasn’t the norm. If LA can field even a competent run defense this time around, they should be able to stymie Jacobs.

Win the turnover battle

In the Week 18 matchup last season, the Chargers failed to record a turnover while the Raiders intercepted Justin Herbert and forced an Andre Roberts fumble on a punt return. LA did force two fumbles, one on Derek Carr and one on tight end Foster Moreau, but Vegas recovered both. But in the Week 4 game, the Chargers picked off Carr and stayed clean on offense en route to a 28-14 victory. As mentioned, getting Carr off-rhythm will force him into mistakes. Converting on those mistakes and forcing the Raiders defense to spend most of the game on the field could be the difference, considering how high-octane Vegas’ offense looks on paper.

4 offensive keys to a Chargers victory over Raiders in Week 1

Here’s what the Chargers must do on the offensive side of the ball to defeat the Raiders.

We’re mere days away from the Chargers kicking off their 2022 season against the rival Raiders.

Starting lineups are beginning to crystallize, injury reports are finalizing, and football is back.

Here are some keys to the game on offense to ensure Los Angeles comes away 1-0:

Get Austin Ekeler going

In the Week 18 matchup that ultimately knocked the Chargers out of the playoffs, Ekeler got just two touches in the first quarter – a 14-yard reception and a three-yard run on back-to-back plays. Two other passes intended for him fell incomplete, and another run was called back for holding. LA’s star running back finished the game with just 99 all-purpose yards and 5 receptions on 12 targets, with a yards per carry average of 4 and a yards per target average of 2.92. Those numbers pale in comparison to the Week 4 matchup with Vegas when Ekeler averaged 7.8 yards a run and 5.6 yards a target. Getting him involved early and often, especially when the Raiders don’t have a clear matchup defender for him, will be paramount to the Chargers’ success.

Help Trey Pipkins

Pipkins won the right tackle job this offseason, but it wasn’t an emphatic, convincing victory, and there’s still some concern about how well he’ll perform this season. There’s arguably no harder test than the one he’ll face Sunday, as one of Chandler Jones or Maxx Crosby will be lining up across from him on every down. Crosby had two sacks in the Week 18 game last season, and limiting him is only going to be more difficult with Jones also in the game. I don’t think it would be wise to leave Pipkins on an island. Use TEs Gerald Everett or Tre’ McKitty to chip Vegas, or keep a running back in to aid on pass protection. Both Sony Michel and Joshua Kelley have shown pass-blocking ability in the past.

Work the double move

The Chargers have said all offseason that their lack of deep shots last season was a personnel issue, not a scheme one. Namely, that’s the personnel on the offensive line. But with what should be a reinforced right side, Justin Herbert should have more time to throw. On the other side of the ball, Raiders safety Johnathan Abram is an especially egregious ball-watcher because of his proclivity for big hits over the middle. If Los Angeles can get their speedier threats isolated, manipulating Abram’s eyes and catching him flat-footed could lead to a few big plays down the seam.

Let Justin Herbert create

There’s no understating what Herbert was able to accomplish in year one of the Joe Lombardi offense, but those around the team have consistently said that the franchise QB’s ascension is only beginning. We know Herbert has been focusing on building chemistry with his receivers this offseason. Keenan Allen said Herbert has stayed every day to throw after practice, something even Philip Rivers never did. So if the talent and chemistry are both there, take the training wheels off. Whether that’s letting him check out of or into plays or freeing him to make things happen outside of the structure of the offense, set your signal-caller loose. Leave it up to him to spread the ball, get through his progressions, and make the right read.

Chargers’ reasons for optimism vs. Raiders in Week 1

Here are four reasons for optimism for the Chargers as they face the Raiders on Sunday afternoon.

Yesterday, I brought up four reasons to be concerned about the Chargers’ season opener against the Raiders on Sunday.

Let’s flip the script.

Here are some reasons to be optimistic about the rivalry game:

Reinforcements on the defensive line

Last season’s Week 18 game against the Raiders was marred by the sight of running back Josh Jacobs gashing the Chargers up the middle over and over again. That loss knocked Los Angeles out of the playoffs, forcing them to respond in kind. With at least two new starters on the defensive line – Sebastian Joseph-Day and Austin Johnson – as well as Morgan Fox and Otito Ogbonnia, two potential rotational pieces, the Bolts figure to be a much-improved run defense. That should allow them to commit fewer bodies to the run, further clogging passing lanes for quarterback Derek Carr.

Khalil Mack’s talent

In the pass rush department, the Chargers sometimes struggled to generate pressure when Joey Bosa was shut down. This time around, double-teaming Bosa is less of an option. With Mack rushing from the other side, one of LA’s studs will be one-on-one with the Raiders’ offensive line. That line, it must be said, looks rough on paper. That could force Las Vegas to keep an extra blocker in during passing situations, or at least use an extra player to chip Bosa or Mack. Carr is historically a much worse quarterback when under pressure, and the threat of Bosa and Mack could make him quite jittery in the pocket.

Favorable wide receiver matchups

The Raiders are thin in the secondary, with 2021 fifth-rounder Nate Hobbs and former Colt Rock Ya-Sin listed as their starters to open the season. That should open opportunities for wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams to keep the ball moving. Josh Palmer should also have a big role, in which case Allen will likely operate out of the slot. We’ve seen Justin Herbert’s chemistry with all three receivers build in training camp, and with a weak secondary in Vegas, the Chargers’ offense shouldn’t have many issues driving down the field, at least in theory.

Year 2 in the offense

One of the main themes in training camp from the Chargers was the belief that the offense was going to open up this year with additional comfort in the system. Herbert’s sophomore season was, of course, phenomenal, but there seems to be a feeling that his success came from an almost robot-like precision when operating within the confines of the offense. This season, Herbert will almost certainly be given more freedom to be a creator rather than offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi’s superpowered on-field avatar. While that may lead to a few kinks early in the season, Herbert has shown that he has the talent to warrant that kind of trust.

How to watch, listen, stream Chargers vs. Raiders

To get you prepared for this game, here is everything you need to know about the AFC West matchup between the Chargers and Raiders.

The Los Angeles Chargers are looking to sit atop the AFC West, as they’re set to face the undefeated Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Week 4 matchup:

Game Information

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Monday, Oct. 4 — 5:15 p.m. PT

SoFi Stadium — Inglewood, CA

Television

The game will be televised on ESPN.

Steve Levy, Brian Griese and Louis Riddick will be on the call.

Radio

ALT 98.7 FM

KBUA 105.5 / KBUE 94.3 FM

Streaming

fuboTV (try it free)

Social Media

Like Chargers Wire on Facebook
Follow Chargers Wire on Twitter
Follow Gavino on Twitter (@Gavino Borquez)

Raiders DC Gus Bradley holds high praise for Chargers QB Justin Herbert

Gus Bradley prepares to face a Chargers offense with players he’s familiar with, including Justin Herbert.

In his rookie season, two of Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert’s most productive performances came against the Raiders. Herbert chalked a combined stat line of 640 passing yards and four touchdowns, as well as a passer rating of 113.5.

Then, Las Vegas was 30th in points allowed.

Fast forward to now and Los Angeles’ former defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, who is now calling the plays for the Raiders, has made positive changes to that side of the ball.

Bradley has guided a unit that’s allowing only 24 points (15th in the NFL) and 355.7 yards (14th) per game.

Heading into the Monday night showdown, however, this will be Bradley’s toughest test yet.

Herbert appears to be far from a sophomore slump. The former Oregon product ranks fourth in the league in passing yards, averaging 318.7 per game, and owns a 69.8 completion percentage. 

Furthermore, the second-year signal-caller added an impressive four-touchdown performance to his resume last week against the Chiefs, which saw him outperform QB Patrick Mahomes.

“We’ve faced really different styles of quarterbacks,” Bradley said on Herbert. “He’s kind of a combination now. He’s big, tall, strong, very accurate, completion percentage is high, quarterback rating is high.

He doesn’t get rattled much, is very good against the pressure. Can run when needed, extends plays looks downfield to make big plays. Receivers know him and they understand that part of it. We got a lot of respect for him now.”

Herbert may have an advantage because while he did practice against Bradley’s defense in their lone year together in L.A., the 23-year old is in a new offensive system under Joe Lombardi.

Regardless, Herbert is well aware of what Bradley brings to the table in terms of his defensive philosophy and knows that the offense could have their work cut out for them.

“He’s done a good job with those guys, they are playing good football and they are really well-coached,” Herbert said. “They are really solid in their assignments, and they’ve got some pretty athletic guys, so they’re tough.”

The Chargers will look to stay hot in the passing game, especially when Herbert is third in completion percentage and eighth in yards per attempt against zone, the primary coverage Bradley plays in. He may choose to mix up his looks to keep Herbert on his toes, however.

At the end of the day, slowing down Herbert will not be an easy task for Bradley and the Raiders defense that boasts former Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman and cornerback Casey Hayward, who have both been impressive this season.

Raiders LB Denzel Perryman prepares to face former team

Raiders LB Denzel Perryman talks about facing his former team ahead of the Monday night matchup.

After spending six seasons with the Chargers, Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman prepares to face his former team.

Perryman was an integral piece in the middle of the defense for the Bolts, and he has carried over his playmaking skills to Las Vegas under defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.

Perryman has earned double-digit tackles each game for a total of 36 thus far. Last week, Perryman produced a season-high 14 tackles in the Raiders’ overtime win over the Dolphins.

The familiar faces may prove to be an advantage for both teams; however, Perryman spoke on what the Las Vegas defense is up against, specifically highlighting the dynamic duo of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.

“I consider Keenan to be a quick twitchy guy, playmaker,” Perryman said. “Obviously, Mike is a playmaker too, but Mike’s more of a jump ball, deep ball kind of guy, and Keenan’s all over the place. It’s going to be a challenge. As far as a defense, we need to do our job and play as one.”

While stout against the run, Perryman has made strides in pass coverage. Perryman, who has been targeted 19 times, has allowed a completion rate of 73.7 percent (tied for 12th among 29 linebackers with at least 10 targets).

The 28-year old should have a tough test, as Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert will look to get running back Austin Ekeler and tight ends Jared Cook and Donald Parham involved through the air.

Speed, strength of Raiders pose threat for Chargers

Speed and strength of Raiders pose a potential threat for Chargers in Week 4.

The Chargers will be facing an undefeated Raiders team in a Monday night division matchup. Las Vegas poses a threat, looking much sharper now than previous seasons. 

The speed and strength of Vegas are two aspects the Bolts must try to restrain this weekend. 

Raiders quarterback Derek Carr is performing with unexpected versatility. He utilized a number of offensive weapons with all six of his touchdowns being caught by different receivers through the first three weeks.

Vegas is putting up some striking statistics with Carr leading the league in passing yards with a total of 1,203 as well as being the only team to have four receivers with more than 200 yards. 

Chargers defensive coordinator Renaldo Hill gave his thoughts on the Raiders passing game: “They’re playing fast, they’re playing at a high level.”

“They’re built extremely well on offense because they have a complete offense,” head coach Brandon Staley said. “They’re very well-coached. They’re a very complete offense, and that’s where they’re the same as Kansas City. They’re dangerous on every down.”

On the other side of the ball, former defensive coordinator for the Bolts, Gus Bradley, will be guiding Vegas in an effort to limit the effectiveness of Los Angeles’ offense.

The Raiders defense currently ranks 10th in expected points added per play (-0.02) and sixth in opposing pass yards per attempt (6.2).

Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said the team is preparing for some different looks from Bradley, but he expects him to stick with what he knows. “They’re not trying to out-trick you. They’re trying to out-execute you.”

The Raiders have some familiar faces on the team with cornerback Casey Hayward Jr. and linebacker Denzel Perryman, both of whom are starting and are playing great football.

Perryman played six seasons with the Bolts but did not re-sign. Hayward was released by the Chargers during the offseason after his fifth season.

Up to this point, Bradley’s unit has fared well against the Ravens, Steelers and Dolphins, and he will now look to extinguish a red-hot Chargers QB Justin Herbert.

Raiders winners and losers in 26-17 victory vs. Steelers

Raiders winners and losers in 26-17 victory vs. Steelers

The Las Vegas Raiders made their surprise season-opening win stand up with yet another impressive performance on Sunday, defeating the Steelers 26-17 in Pittsburgh and pushing their record to 2-0.

Quarterback Derek Carr again showed mastery of coach Jon Gruden’s offense, thriving with a nearly non-existent rushing attack. As for the defense, they made their presence felt for 60 minutes, harassing QB Ben Roethlisberger early and often.

Here are the players that impacted the Raiders’ big win the most, for the better and for the worse.

Winners

Derek Carr

In reality, Carr is a winner or a loser every week. He’s the leader of the team and gets all of the credit or all of the blame.

But it’s impossible to leave him off the winners’ list after his performance against the Steelers. The Raiders tallied just 56 rushing yards behind an inexperienced offensive line beset by injuries. The absence of running back Josh Jacobs didn’t help. The pass protection was spotty, too, but it barely fazed Carr.

With the Steelers paying extra attention to tight end Darren Waller, Carr found his other options with ease. On the afternoon, Carr hit 28 of 37 passes for 382 yards and two touchdowns — one to tight end Foster Moreau and the other to the next of this week’s winners.

Henry Ruggs III

On this Sunday in Pittsburgh, wide receiver Henry Ruggs III did exactly what he’s in a Raiders uniform to do. He caught a 61-yard bomb from Carr for a fourth-quarter touchdown, increasing the Raiders’ lead to an insurmountable 23-14 advantage.

Ruggs had some other moments, too. In total, he had five receptions on seven targets for 113 yards. He also caught a crossing route and nicely eluded two defenders, showing he has more to his game than raw speed.

But that speed is indeed vicious. Carr and Gruden have a real weapon in the second-year player.

Solomon Thomas

It’s a shame that only one Raiders defender can crack the winners’ column, with an array of big performances from Las Vegas’ revamped group. But defensive tackle Solomon Thomas had two quarterback sacks, a tackle for loss, a tipped pass and three quarterback hits. He also threw in a roughing the passer penalty and an unsportsmanlike conduct call for good measure.

Team captain Maxx Crosby demands a nod here, too. His play on the edge led the way for Thomas and the entire group, showing no regard for Roethlisberger when he arrived in the backfield. Crosby laid several big hits on the Steelers’ star signal-caller from the game’s outset, good for an official five QB hits.

But Thomas had the most to gain with his performance. A former top-5 pick in the NFL Draft, he’s looking to rejuvenate his career. He took big steps toward that end on Sunday.

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Raiders TE Darren Waller has chance to make NFL history vs. Steelers

Raiders TE Darren Waller has chance to make NFL history vs. Steelers

Raiders tight end Darren Waller did it all in Las Vegas’ big Week 1 win against the Ravens, but on Sunday against the Steelers, Waller will have a chance to accomplish a feat unseen in the modern NFL.

According to the Associated Press’ Josh Dubow, Waller needs 100 receiving yards against Pittsburgh to become the first TE since the NFL/AFL merger to have five consecutive games with 100 yards or more in receptions. His streak goes back to last season.

Notice that Waller has already set a Raiders record during his hot streak. Dubow also pointed out the other tight ends to have four games with 100 or more receiving yards. The list reads Jimmy Graham (twice), Travis Kelce, Tyler Higbee, and ex-NFL star Tony Gonzalez.

It’s no sure bet that Waller will make history, but after being targeted 19 times by quarterback Derek Carr against the Ravens, it’s likely Waller will have his chances to rack up the catches and yards on Sunday, all in the name of helping the Raiders go 2-0 on the young season.