Versus: Steelers defense poses a threat for Raiders' young roster

Oct 09, 2024 at 05:34 PM

Levi Edwards

Digital Team Reporter

The Las Vegas Raiders, coming off a tough road loss to the Denver Broncos, now face another team that's looking to rebound off their own Week 5 defeat.

The Silver and Black will host the Pittsburgh Steelers in Allegiant Stadium on Sunday. These two teams have their share of similarities, both with tough, hard-nosed defenses and offensive units still trying to find their identity. Head Coach Antonio Pierce announced Wednesday that Aidan O'Connell will get the start at quarterback, and the team will be counting on him, Alexander Mattison, Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers to put their best foot forward against a star-studded Steelers defense.

Here are three key matchups to follow heading into the Week 6 matchup.

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Antonio Pierce vs. Mike Tomlin

This Sunday will be the first time Antonio Pierce has faced off against Mike Tomlin since becoming the head coach of the Raiders.

It's an intriguing matchup between the rookie and the veteran coaches who are both dependent on hard-nosed defensive mentalities. The Silver and Black became one of the better defensive units in the NFL toward the end of last season, surrendering less than 17 points a game with Pierce as interim head coach in 2023. This season, the Raiders defense has allowed a 30 percent conversation rate on third downs, the fourth lowest in the league.

Tomlin, on the other hand, has sustained success in the league for a long time. He's the longest-tenured active NFL head coach at 18 seasons, and doesn't have a losing record in a single season throughout his career. The former Super Bowl champion has put a formidable defense on the field this year, tying with the Denver Broncos for second-fewest points allowed (73).

"[W]hen I was playing, he was coaching, and he's been winning. ... He just wins," Pierce said of Tomlin. "He wins. I know we always judge him on championships, but each and every year to have a winning season, to get a team ready to play their style of play, their identity, right? You know what Steeler football looks like. That's hats off to him. He was a young coach when he took over, and all he's done and matured into probably one of the greatest coaches in this game."

DJ Glaze and/or Thayer Munford vs. T.J. Watt

It's still hard to predict who will start at right tackle Sunday, but no matter who it is – T.J. Watt will be waiting.

Watt, a perennial All-Pro and former Defensive Player of the Year, became the second-fastest player in NFL history to record 100 sacks in his career – only behind Hall of Fame edge rusher Reggie White. The speed and velocity Watt rushes the passer with has been astonishing, with many tricks up his sleeve for any offensive lineman he faces. His game is vaguely reminiscent to a player he know all too well, his brother J.J. Watt, who retired in 2022 with 114.5 career sacks.

Thayer Munford Jr. returned to practice Wednesday after missing the previous two games with a knee injury. In his absence, rookie DJ Glaze has held down the right tackle position. Through five games, Glaze has earned a 91 percent pass block win rate, according to ESPN.

"Great player, great rusher," Glaze said describing Watt. "We're going to do the things we need to do to slow him down as much as possible, but just going in expecting a fight. We're expecting a fight, he's going to throw his best. Relentless player, he's going to mix things up, give me different moves so I'm just going to go in and be disciplined."

Whether it is Glaze or Munford that suits up and starts, they should be well prepared considering the practice reps they've taken against Maxx Crosby.

Nevertheless, the Steelers linebacker has already amassed a Hall of Fame résumé in eight seasons.

Brock Bowers vs. Minkah Fitzpatrick

Considering Brock Bowers' success out the gate as a rookie, Antonio Pierce might not be exaggerating in his recent evaluation of the tight end.

"Brock Bowers is a superstar, we said that, and I don't think I'm putting a label on him," Pierce said. "I think it's real. We see it, and all he does is show up and make plays."

Through five career games, the No. 13 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft is leading all tight ends in targets (36), receptions (28) and receiving yards (313). He also has the highest offensive grade (82.7) from Pro Football Focus among his position and the 2024 rookie class. He caught his first NFL touchdown against the Denver Broncos, leaping over safety P.J. Locke and racing 57 yards to the end zone.

The probable matchup Bowers could draw in coverage is three-time All-Pro Minkah Fitzpatrick. The hard-hitting safety has the ability to roam the field with ease and leads the team in solo tackles (26) through five games. He's also amassed 19 interceptions through his NFL career. In a matchup such as this, the 4.2 yards of separation Bowers is averaging per route will come in handy.

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Las Vegas Raiders tight end Cole Fotheringham (85) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.