Sadly for the Las Vegas Raiders, there was loads of negativity and drama surrounding the crew over the previous couple of weeks. Now, they might want to put all of that behind them as they host considered one of their longest-tenured rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, in Week 6.
The most important story is that the Raiders shall be making a change at quarterback, with Aidan O’Connell changing Gardner Minshew. Turnovers have been a difficulty, with Minshew’s pick-six in opposition to the Denver Broncos final week utterly altering the sport’s momentum. For O’Connell, limiting these errors and turnovers is an important factor in opposition to a Steelers protection that makes a speciality of that, led by arguably one of the best defender in soccer, TJ Watt.
The Steelers rank within the prime 10 in takeaways this season and compelled three turnovers final week. They’re additionally second within the league in factors allowed, so the Raiders might discover it very powerful to get occurring offense, particularly as they continue to be shorthanded by way of their weapons.
Davante Adams and Michael Mayer are each nonetheless out, whereas Jakobi Meyers and Zamir White have additionally missed practices this week, in addition to have offensive linemen Kolton Miller and Jackson Powers-Johnson. The latter 4 practiced on Friday, nonetheless, so their standing for the sport is within the air.
Regardless, rookie tight finish Brock Bowers will stay a main goal for O’Connell as he has been extraordinarily spectacular to date this season. Establishing the run recreation in opposition to this protection is simpler mentioned than carried out, however it might go a good distance towards not permitting the Steelers’ go rush to get going.
Defensively, the Raiders are in line to get again linebacker Divine Deablo, although the lack of Christian Wilkins on the road shall be a tricky one to exchange. The Steelers’ offense has been removed from a juggernaut, particularly by the air, however they do have some weapons the Raiders should you should definitely control.
George Pickens is at all times a menace to interrupt off an enormous play, whereas Pat Friermuth is likely one of the most dependable tight ends within the league and is likely one of the favourite red-zone targets.
The most important factor for the Raiders shall be to close down the Steelers speeding assault and make quarterback Justin Fields need to beat them together with his arm. If they’re able to pressure Pittsburgh into extra passing eventualities, it would enable Maxx Crosby to do what he does greatest, terrorize the Steelers within the backfield, and doubtlessly create some turnovers.
The turnover battle could be the key to this contest. If the Raiders can restrict their errors and win the sphere place battle they’ve an excellent probability to drag off this win in Aidan O’Connell’s first begin. But when they permit that Steelers protection to manage this recreation, it will likely be a protracted day.
Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2) vs. Las Vegas Raiders (2-3)
1:05 p.m. PT, Sunday, October 13, 2024Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NevadaTV: CBS
