The Las Vegas Raiders host the Tennessee Titans on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium. Kickoff is at 1:05 p.m. PT.
Here are five keys to victory for the Raiders:
Don’t help the Titans:
It’s really a miracle the Tennessee Titans aren’t coming into this game with an 0-5 record. They had a one percent win probability rate in the fourth quarter of this inexplainable 22-21 win at the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. The Cardinals made one crucial mistake after another to keep the Titans, who had lost 10 straight games
dating back to last season, in that game. The Raiders must learn from that. Yes, the Raiders are a 1-4 team on a four-game losing streak that makes a ton of mistakes themselves. But they should win this game. But they can’t give Titans chances to stay in the game.
Execute in red zone:
Same old stuff every year. The Raiders’ yearly red-zone woes continue under new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and quarterback Geno Smith. They settle for way too many field goals … or they turn the ball over inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. They need to start chasing on with touchdowns when they get into the red zone.
Third-down defense:
The Raiders’ defense has to get off the field better than they did last week in a 40-6 loss at the Colts. Indianapolis converted on third down 8 of 10 times. That is a recipe to get wear down a defense. The Raiders must get Titans’ rookie quarterback Cam Ward, who appeared to gain confidence last week at Arizona, off the field.
Play better on offensive line:
The Raiders’ offensive line has struggled all season aside from in Week 4 against Chicago. The Raiders allowed four sacks at Indianapolis and Smith was sacked four times. The unit must buckle down this week. The Titans don’t boast a ton of talent, but defensive lineman Jeffrey Simmons can wreck a game.
Don’t blow it on special teams:
The Raiders’ special teams has been a comedy of errors this season. Something dramatic and major seems to happen on a weekly basis. That has to change. This goes back to our first key. The Raiders can’t keep the Titans in this game with silly mistakes on special teams.
