1. Familiar foe for Raiders edge rusher
K'Lavon Chaisson is having a renaissance this season with the Las Vegas Raiders.
In his last three games, he's racked up two sacks, three tackles for loss, four quarterback hits and a highlight reel interception on the line of scrimmage against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Stepping up in a big way late in the season in relief of injuries to Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins, Chaisson also has a 24.5 quarterback pressure percentage in his last three games, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
This Sunday may have a bit more meaning for Chaisson, considering he's facing the team that drafted him in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
"[O]bviously, it's personal for him," Antonio Pierce said. "It's the team that drafted him and let him go. But I'm just talking about KC [K'Lavon Chaisson] the player for us. I mean, I think he's done an outstanding job since he's gotten here, bought into what we want to do. ... And I know over the last month, he's been kind of wrecking havoc. In the passing game, has an interception, obviously, getting after the quarterback, but then in the running game, with all the injuries, he's been a bright spot for us. Somebody that obviously has tier one traits as a first-round pick, but I think he's kind of found his home here, and we're happy to have him on our side."
While Chaisson acknowledged he's looking forward to playing his former team, he's keeping his emotions in check. He believes his biggest attribute that's grown since leaving Jacksonville has been his maturity.
"You come into a league wide-eyed, way behind ears [as] somewhat a success in the level before," Chaisson said after Thursday's practice. "Things sometimes that you feel should carry over to the next level don't really translate in a way you feel like should or that you expected it to be. So, there's a lot of things that play into it, but obviously just being dialed in and staying to the course and believing everything you worked for will pay off in your favor."
2. AOC back in the mix
Pierce confirmed Friday morning that Aidan O'Connell "should be good to go on Sunday" after being a full participant in practice this week.
The second-year quarterback missed Week 15 against the Atlanta Falcons due to a knee injury suffered the week prior. He's also dealt with a right thumb injury that landed him on injured reserve earlier in the year. On the season, he's thrown for 899 yards and four touchdowns in six games played.
"I think I definitely have watched a lot more than I wanted to this year from the sideline or from wherever, and so it's definitely been frustrating not being on the field," O'Connell said Wednesday. "I think I learned a lot in high school and in college, both having to kind of sit on the bench for a while and wait my turn. It definitely taught me patience, but at the same time, I think I know what it's like to have to work and when you're not out there and maybe not be able to see the progress day by day, but just kind of have to trust the process."
Notably, the Jaguars have allowed the most passing yards (3,700) and are tied for allowing the most passing touchdowns (27) in 2024.
3. Dynamic duo in the air
With O'Connell likely back under center, all signs point to Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers being his main targets.
They are the only pair of NFL teammates this season with at least 70 receptions and 800 yards receiving each. Their 161 combined receptions are tied for the most in the NFL with the Giants' Malik Nabers and Wan'Dale Robinson. Of Meyers' 71 catches and 105 targets this season, he only has one dropped pass.
"I think Jakobi does a great job, even in walkthroughs, in practice, in the pre-practice, really anytime he's catching the football, he treats it like it's a game," O'Connell said. "And as our wide receiver coach EB [Edgar Bennett] would say, 'Pluck and tuck.' And so, he does that on every single rep. It's pretty incredible. And I think he just takes the game seriously, like I said, in walkthroughs and in practice. I think it definitely translates."
Bowers still continues to lead all NFL tight ends in receptions (90) and receiving yards (968). With 109 more receiving yards this season, he'll break the NFL record for most receiving yards by a rookie tight end (Mike Ditka, 1,076 in 1961).
4. Rotation in the trenches
Jordan Meredith, who started the last eight games at left guard, has been ruled doubtful for Sunday's game with an ankle injury. His 80.8 offensive grade from Pro Football Focus is the highest of any offensive lineman on the team this season.
Pierce mentioned that the plan on the offensive front will be to insert Andre James back at center and move rookie Jackson Powers-Johnson back to left guard if Meredith can't play. This would be James' first start back at center since Week 8.
5. Containing 44 and 41
Tackles Kolton Miller and DJ Glaze will have a busy day trying to contain the Jaguars' two outside linebackers.
The pass-rushing duo of Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker has been the bright spot of Jacksonville's defense, accounting for 15.5 of the team's 26 total sacks (59.6 percent). The duo has also combined for 19 tackles for loss and 26 quarterbacks hits, leading the team in both those categories.
"They're really good at rushing the passer, setting the edge, being disruptive, game changers, forced fumbles," Pierce said. "They are really good outside linebackers. Obviously, there was a reason why they went number one, first-round picks, but when you look at them and just how disruptive they are throughout the entire game."
It's worth nothing the duo of Miller and Glaze has only allowed one sack in their last two games.
6. What happened last time
The Raiders are on a two-game losing streak to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
They fell to the Jags in their last game at Oakland Coliseum in Week 15 of the 2019 season and in Week 9 of the 2022 season in Jacksonville. However, the Silver and Black lost both of those games by just one score.
As the Silver and Black prepare for the Week 16 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, take a look back at their past matchups through the years.
The Oakland Raiders line up before the snap during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, September 15, 1996, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Napoleon Kaufman (26) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, September 15, 1996, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Rob Fredrickson (53) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Oakland-Alameda Coliseum, Sunday, September 15, 1996, in Oakland, Calif.
The Oakland Raiders line up before the snap during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Oakland-Alameda Coliseum, Sunday, September 15, 1996, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tackle Lincoln Kennedy (72) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, September 15, 1996, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Jeff Hostetler (15) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Oakland-Alameda Coliseum, Sunday, September 15, 1996, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Daryl Hobbs (80) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Oakland-Alameda Coliseum, Sunday, September 15, 1996, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown (81) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 21, 1997, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Russell Maryland (67) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 21, 1997, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Doug Gabriel (85) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, January 2, 2005, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Warren Sapp (99) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, January 2, 2005, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders full back Zack Crockett (32) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, January 2, 2005, in Oakland, Calif.
The Oakland Raiders offense lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Sunday, December 23, 2007, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Jay Richardson (98) during the regular season away game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Sunday, December 23, 2007, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Terdell Sands (90) during the regular season away game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Sunday, December 23, 2007, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Oakland Raiders running back Dominic Rhodes (33) during the regular season away game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Sunday, December 23, 2007, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Oakland Raiders tight end Zach Miller (80) makes a 2-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Sunday, December 23, 2007, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Oakland Raiders guard Cooper Carlisle (66) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, October 21, 2012, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders guard Cooper Carlisle (66) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, October 21, 2012, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Mike Jenkins (21) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 15, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Rod Streater (80) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 15, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders center/guard Stefen Wisniewski (61) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 15, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (2) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 15, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Seth Roberts (10) during the regular reason away game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field, Sunday, October 23, 2016, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Oakland Raiders punter Marquette King (7) during the regular reason away game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field, Sunday, October 23, 2016, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) makes a 2-yard touchdown catch during the regular reason away game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field, Sunday, October 23, 2016, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) rushes for a 9-yard touchdown during the regular reason away game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field, Sunday, October 23, 2016, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Oakland Raiders guard Richie Incognito (64) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 15, 2019.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 15, 2019.
Oakland Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 15, 2019.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 15, 2019.
Oakland Raiders center Rodney Hudson (61) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 15, 2019.
Oakland Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 15, 2019.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Will Compton (51) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 15, 2019.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Nevin Lawson (26) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 15, 2019.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) rushes for an 8-yard touchdown during the Hall of Fame Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Thursday, August 4, 2022, in Canton, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) rushes during the Hall of Fame Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Thursday, August 4, 2022, in Canton, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Hroniss Grasu (65) lines up before the snap during the Hall of Fame Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Thursday, August 4, 2022, in Canton, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Zach VanValkenburg (54) makes a tackle during the Hall of Fame Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Thursday, August 4, 2022, in Canton, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field, Sunday, November 6, 2022, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) knocks downs the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field, Sunday, November 6, 2022, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) lines up to kick a 38-yard field goal during the regular season away game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field, Sunday, November 6, 2022, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (26) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field, Sunday, November 6, 2022, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field, Sunday, November 6, 2022, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field, Sunday, November 6, 2022, in Jacksonville, Fla.
