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Bucky Brooks' Scouting Report: Week 17 vs. Saints

Who's the Guy?

Cameron Jordan might have lost a step, but he remains a disruptive force at the point of attack. The veteran pass rusher enters with three sacks, but his impact extends beyond the stat line. Jordan's relentlessness and competitiveness spark a unit that plays hard from the opening snap to the final whistle. With the Saints playing for pride, the veteran's energy could ignite the defense in Week 17.

Know His Name

Demario Davis is aging like a fine wine as a middle linebacker exhibiting outstanding range, instincts and diagnostic skills in the twilight of his career. The 13-year pro is a tackling machine with a knack for creating a turnover in crucial moments. For the Raiders to move the ball on the ground, they must pay attention to No. 56 to prevent him from wrecking the game from the second level.

Don't Sleep On…

Chase Young has quietly been enjoying a solid 2024 campaign. The former No. 2 overall pick has flashed disruptive potential as a pass rusher with 5.5 sacks and persistent pressure off the edge. As a freak athlete with exceptional strength and power, Young can create problems as one of the Saints' designated playmakers on the frontline.

Under Pressure

With Derek Carr sidelined with an injury, the Saints will hand the ball to Spencer Rattler to lead the offense against the Raiders. The rookie has sputtered as a substitute starter, but his arm talent and playmaking ability could make him a challenge to defend if he finds his rhythm early. Though the Saints' lack of firepower puts a heavy burden on his shoulders, Rattler has flashed enough potential to create some problems for the Raiders defense.

Matchup to Watch

Tyrann Mathieu vs. Brock Bowers

The ball-hawking safety is an aggressive playmaker with a knack for coming down with interceptions on tipped or overthrown passes. Though he won't shadow Bowers all over the field, Mathieu will keep a close eye on the Raiders' No. 1 option to see if he can step in front of a pass intended for the unstoppable tight end. Aidan O'Connell must proceed with caution when attacking the middle of the field due to the former Pro Bowler lurking between the hashes.

Offensive Strategy

The Saints will attempt to utilize a balanced attack to alleviate some of the pressure on their young quarterback. Though Spencer Rattler is a capable thrower, the Saints will attempt to limit his pass attempts to minimize his mistakes and avoid a critical turnover. If the rookie is able to operate as a manager directing a ball control offense, the Saints could dominate time of possession and steal the game in the fourth quarter on a timely big play.

Defensive Strategy

The Saints will relentlessly attack the Raiders with a barrage of blitzes designed to create chaos for an inexperienced quarterback. Cameron Jordan and Chase Young will play pivotal roles in a gameplan that will feature five- and six-man pressures on crucial downs. Though the high-risk, high-reward tactics could backfire on the Saints, the Raiders must prepare to face a team willing to take an unorthodox approach to win a game.

As the Raiders prepare to travel to New Orleans to face the Saints in Week 17, take a look back at photos of past matchups through the years.

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