There is a lot to be concerned about for the Raiders as they head out east to face the Jets. Both from their own difficulties and what the Jets can do. But without even delving too much into how the Jets can hurt them, there's plenty of issues the Raiders have to grapple with all their own.
1. East coast trip, early start
Yeah, the Raiders played pretty poorly at home last week. But no game this season for them has been more of a debacle than their one east coast trip to New England. The Raiders looked completely out of it in the game. Perhaps it was just because the Patriots had their number. But these early start games on the east coast are known to be problematic for west coast teams. Some can overcome it. Las Vegas has not proven they’re one of those teams.
2. Inability to establish the run
The Jets have
a tough pass defense. What most teams might do in that situation is lean on the run game. But that has not proven to be an option for the Raiders this season. The line hasn’t been getting enough push and seems to be making a good amount of mental mistakes as well, similar to what plagued them last season. Ashton Jeanty is looking like he’s putting his ankle and foot injuries behind him. But he still can’t seem to find running room. While the amount of points the defense has been giving up gets a lot of attention, sometimes the bigger problem for the defense is that the offense can’t stay on the field, thus giving the opposing offense more chances to score. Give Geno Smith enough chances, he will hurt you.
3. Raiders glaring weakness exposed
Teams have discovered how to attack the Raiders defense and they’re going back to it over an over again. Last week, the linebackers above all were considerably angry that the Rams just kept doing the same thing and having success with it – run, then bootleg out of play action. I noticed it weeks before, so you know opposing teams were all over it. The Jets have two solid backs just like the Rams do. Expect them to deploy the same attack, challenging the Raiders to find a solution.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: 3 causes for concern for Raiders vs Jets Week 8
