The Las Vegas Raiders are big-time underdogs versus the Buffalo Bills in Week 6. If the Raiders are to possess a chance at executing the upset, they'll need to keep quarterback Kirk Cousins well protected versus an aggressive Bills front. That begins with starting center Tyler Linderbaum.
Linderbaum versus this Bills interior defensive line is among the key matchups to watch. Unsurprisingly, the high-priced center has been the Raiders' best offensive lineman this season. Among the Raiders' starting five, Pro Football Focus has credited Linderbaum with giving up the fewest pressures (5). He also owns the team's best individual pass-blocking grade (72.9).
Bills defensive tackle Deone Walker ranks second on their defense in pressures with 21. His
15 pass-rushing wins is tied for 8th among all interior defenders, per ESPN Analytics. Muting Walker's impact is crucial to the Raiders' interior O-Line success, and Linderbaum has to help achieve that.
The threats come from everywhere across the Bills' defensive line. EDGE Greg Rousseau leads the defense in pressures (35) and sacks (6.0). Houston Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. is the only defensive player in the NFL with more sacks (7.5).
The Raiders need to communicate and execute against this Bills front. Linderbaum must be at his best.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Raiders C Tyler Linderbaum will be key vs. aggressive Bills front
