The Oakland Raiders head to Indianapolis to take on the Colts. Oakland is coming off a loss last week to the Minnesota Vikings, 34-14. The Raiders were not able to get much going on offense, and early defensive penalties keep the defense on the field. All these things need to change and change quickly for the Raiders to win some more games this season. Here are three keys to a Raiders victory:
1. Feature Josh Jacobs
Josh Jacobs only ran the ball ten times for 44 yards against the Vikings. Some of it due to the Raiders falling behind early and some due to recovering from illness. Against the Colts, Jacobs needs to be featured in this game. The Colts defense is small but fast. They give up 114 yards rushing yards per game. The Raiders need to depend on their big offensive line to physically dominate them in the running attack. I feel Jacobs should get 20-25 carries in this games for the Raiders to win. I know Gruden likes to get Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washing involved in the game, its time to give Jacobs the ball more and lean on him a little bit.
Also, Jacobs should be involved more in the passing attack; he has good hands and will do well getting the ball in space.
2. Take Some Shots Down The Field
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr is completing 73 percent of his passing, but mostly short to intermediate passing plays. Don't get me wrong 73 percent passing is excellent but it is time for the Raiders to start pushing the ball down the field more. The Colts will be without safety Malik Hooker, who will be out 4-6 weeks with a meniscus tear. Colts like to run a cover 2 defense, so Darren Waller should be able to be effective on various seam routes. Seam routes are the weakness in the cover 2 defense. Also, with Tyrell Williams being a big target and deep threat, its time to get him going on downfield passes. Williams is excellent at high pointing the ball on deep passes and bringing the ball down for the catch. J.J Nelson is a speedy receiver, his hands are not great, but you have to respect his speed. With Williams and Nelson being deep threats, it should open the middle of the field for Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller. Let's see if Gruden can design some plays to get the offense going this week.
3. Slow Down The Colts Rushing Attack
Colts running back Marlon Mack is third in the NFL in rushing with 299 rushing yards, he also averages 4.9 yards per rush. The Colts have one the best offensive line in the NFL. The Raiders run defense will have its work cut out for them.
Oakland must get solid play from their defensive tackles, Johnathon Hankins and Maurice Hurst. They will need to get penetration so the linebackers can make plays. Look for the Raiders to put eight-man in the box to attempt to slow down the Colts rushing attack. The Raiders must slow down the Colts ground game and make them try to beat them on the outside.
