Behind Enemy Lines: Oakland Raiders
By Josh McSwain
Before the Monday Night Game in Mexico City, I go behind enemy lines with Tyler Randolph of Just Blog Baby for his insight on the Raiders. For my answers to his questions, click here. Onto his answers:
1. Derek Carr has been unstoppable this season. Is he the next great quarterback and face of the league?
I think he will be at the forefront of a QB turnover for the entire NFL. You certainly look at him, Russell Wilson, Andrew Luck, And Cam Newton to be the top guys for this generation. He has the professionalism that the NFL looks for, he’s a family first type of guy, well spoken and he can flat out play. Oakland is set up for the future, and Carr is one of, if not the reason why they are. He’ll be up their as one of the faces of league for the next decade in my opinion.
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2. With a full array of weapons at his disposal, who will the Raiders be looking at most to make plays on Monday?
I think this game resembles much of last week’s, in that they face a legit secondary but a soft run defense. Latavius Murray will be featured heavily in this matchup, allowing the offensive line to take advantage of the interior of that defense. Look for complimentary play calling by Bill Musgrave for Richard and Washington.
3. The Raiders defense has struggled all season. How will they go about slowing down Lamar Miller?
It’s safe to say the defense has struggled through weeks 1-6. The past three however, has showed them improving across the board. They regularly play five rookies at all levels of the defense, and those rookies are finally catching up with the play of the NFL. Also the late addition of Perry Riley from waivers and his elevated play has given a desperate boost to their front seven. The run defense allowed only 33 yards rushing against Denver, however Booker is not Miller. I think a similar game plan will be in place and they will test Osweiler’s ability against a full stable of corners and focus on limiting Miller’s ability. Del Rio and Norton have had an extra week to prepare for this offense, so I look for this defense to have a complete game on Monday.