Head Coach Jon Gruden has said multiple times that the team refuses to tank, and that winning will always be the main priority. At 1-8, getting back in the playoff picture is a stretch, but stringing together a couple wins could do wonders for the morale of the team.
This week the Raiders will fly south to Arizona for a duel with the 2-7 Cardinals. Their record might not reflect it, but the Cardinals have plenty of talented individuals on the roster. From cornerback Patrick Peterson, to running back David Johnson, there are playmakers on both sides of the ball, and finding ways to render them ineffective won't be easy.
Let's take a look at three matchups I'll have my eye on this Sunday:
Raiders offensive line vs. Chandler Jones
When the New England Patriots traded Jones to the Arizona Cardinals a few years ago, I was surprised – but not too surprised because that's kind of what the Pats do; trade away key players right before they get paid – and ever since he landed in AZ he's been a beast. In the last three years, the former Syracuse alum has totaled 36.5 sacks, 136 tackles, nine forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries. Jones is coming off a two-sack performance last week, and he'll face a Raiders offensive line that features two rookie tackles. Kolton Miller and Brandon Parker have faced their fair share of talent this season, and they'll have to fend off another premier pass rusher this Sunday. Keeping Derek Carr upright has been difficult the last couple weeks, and it won't be easy to keep him unscathed in Week 11.
Raiders defensive line vs. David Johnson
As I mentioned earlier, the Cardinals might be 2-7, but they have some bonafide studs on their roster, and Johnson is arguably the best one. The 27yearold might not have staggering numbers this season, but his versatility can keep defenses guessing. He's an explosive weapon out of the backfield, and he can also create mismatches in the passing game. For three weeks now, the Raiders defense has given up over 100 total yards to running backs, and Johnson is capable of the same; however, the Cardinals have one run, just one run of over 20 yards this season. The Raiders defensive line is going to need to get some push in the trenches, and hopefully the Raiders are leading by a decent enough margin where the Cardinals will have to air it out in order to catch up.
Raiders wide receivers vs. Cardinals secondary
The Cardinals defense has allowed 11 touchdown passes this season; that's tied for first in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans. The Raiders haven't scored a touchdown in nine quarters of play – see where I'm going with this? Putting points on the board isn't going to be easy this week, and in the Raiders' last two games the team has failed to score more than six points. Not only will Carr be throwing against a tough Cardinals secondary, but he'll be without many of his regular wide receivers. Wednesday, Gruden announced that Martavis Bryant would miss Sunday's game, and that Jordy Nelson would likely be listed as questionable with a bone bruise in his knee. Rookie wide receiver Marcell Ateman will try to fill the void in his first career game, and he'll need the assistance of Brandon LaFell, and Seth Roberts to help alleviate some pressure. Between facing a stout pass rush, and a physical Cardinals secondary, Carr and his receivers will have to navigate some rocky waters this week.
Take a look through the top images from the Raiders' game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 10 at the Coliseum.
Oakland Raiders tight end Lee Smith (86), Martavis Bryant and Jared Cook before the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland Alameda-County Coliseum on Sunday, November 11th, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) walks out of the locker room during the Oakland Raiders game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. Oakland lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Marquel Lee (55) leads the huddles with the team during the Oakland Raiders game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. Oakland lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Martavis Bryant (12) makes a play during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland Alameda-County Coliseum on Sunday, November 11th, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders running back Doug Martin (28) makes a play during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland Alameda-County Coliseum on Sunday, November 11th, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Rashaan Melvin (22) makes a play during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland Alameda-County Coliseum on Sunday, November 11th, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Martavis Bryant (12) makes a play during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland Alameda-County Coliseum on Sunday, November 11th, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders punter Johnny Townsend (5) runs a fake punt back during the Oakland Raiders game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. Oakland lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders running back Doug Martin (28) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver and return specialist Dwayne Harris (17) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Jason Cabinda (53) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) and linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders center Rodney Hudson (61) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders punter Johnny Townsend (5) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Marquel Lee (55) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Martavis Bryant (12) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders running back Doug Martin (28) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) scrambles during the Oakland Raiders game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. Oakland lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) makes a play during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland Alameda-County Coliseum on Sunday, November 11th, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders tight end Derek Carrier (85) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59), linebacker Marquel Lee (55), defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (73), and linebacker Jason Cabinda (53) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Arden Key (99), linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59), and defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (73) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders strong safety Karl Joseph (42) and Nicholas Morrow make a tackle during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland Alameda-County Coliseum on Sunday, November 11th, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders running back Doug Martin (28) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Martavis Bryant (12) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders safety Marcus Gilchrist (31) intercepts a pass during the Oakland Raiders game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. Oakland lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders tight end Derek Carrier (85) and linebacker Kyle Wilber (58) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle PJ Hall (92) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders running back Doug Martin (28) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders tight end Jared Cook (87) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders tight end Jared Cook (87) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) rushes during the Oakland Raiders game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. Oakland lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Frostee Rucker (98) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Frostee Rucker (98) makes a play during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland Alameda-County Coliseum on Sunday, November 11th, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) and linebacker Shilique Calhoun (91) sacks Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) during the Oakland Raiders game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. Oakland lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Shilique Calhoun (91) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Raiders line up during the Oakland Raiders game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. Oakland lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders return specialist Dwayne Harris (17) runs back a kick off during the Oakland Raiders game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. Oakland lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) and strong safety Karl Joseph (42) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
