With their loss to the Los Angeles Rams 35-21 at home last week, the Raiders have now dropped four straigh games. In much need of a win, they head to MetLife Stadium to take on the 2-5 New York Jets. Dismissing the Jets would be a big mistake for the Raiders. Both teams will be looking for a win to get their season back on track.
Although the Jets have struggled to put together consistent, good games, they still have enough individual talent to trouble a Raiders team that has had numerous defensive issues this year. To win, the Raiders must contain the following players.
WR Garrett Wilson
Garrett Wilson is the Jets' top receiving option; the Raiders need to watch him closely. In the first seven games, Wilson has caught 37 passes for 444 yards and three touchdowns,
averaging 12 yards per catch. Because he can create separation, make contested catches, and turn short completions into big ones, he will be difficult to defend. The Raiders' defensive backs are struggling with communication and assignments, making it even harder to defend Wilson.
RB Braelon Allen
Braelon Allen has become a major factor in the Jets' running game with Breece Hall out with an injury. Allen is leading the team in rushing yards (418) and carries (91). He averages 4.6 yards per carry, and he has scored twice on the ground. At 6'1" and about 235 pounds, he can provide the physical style of running that will wear down defensive lines throughout the course of a game. Allen is also known for his size, strength, and ability to break tackles. The Raiders have had trouble with tackling.
QB Geno Smith
So far this season, Smith has passed for 1,623 yards, 10 TDs, and 2 INTs, while completing 70% of his passes. Despite the Jets' offensive struggles, he can still be accurate and capitalize on the defense's mistakes. Additionally, the 13-year veteran struggled in Las Vegas last year, and I expect him to play with a chip on his shoulder.
DE David Bailey
The second overall pick edge rusher is having a solid rookie season. He has 5.5 sacks and will be a tough matchup for offensive tackles because of his speed off the ball, athleticism, and pass-rush moves. The Raiders have been up and down in pass protection, so Bailey could be a huge factor in pass-rushing situations.
Bailey's presence should be considered every time Kirk Cousins drops back to throw, especially in clear passing situations. The Raiders should not isolate their offensive tackles without support from tight ends or running backs against Bailey. If Las Vegas can establish the run game and use the quick passing game, they can reduce the time Bailey gets to rush the quarterback.
Outlook
The Jets may have only two wins, but they have talented players who could cause a lot of trouble for the Raiders on Sunday. Both Wilson and Allen can create problems for the Raiders' defense; Bailey can cause havoc. Smith brings experience and will look to stick it to his former team.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Key Jets players to watch Week 8 vs Raiders
