NFL
By: Brock Vierra
With the Raiders set to welcome the Green Bay Packers to Vegas on Monday night, I have taken a break from my weekly Josh McDaniels rant to discuss the Xs and Os, pointing out three things that the team needs to do in order to be successful. Now Green Bay is an interesting team as they sit in this odd limbo, waiting for the breakout game that fans of Jordan Love have been hoping for. The 2-2 Packers have looked unimpressive this year, only averaging 25 points per game, a number skewed by their 38-point performance against Chicago. Their offensive woes have reared their ugly head these past few weeks and it should give Las Vegas the opportunity it needs to snatch a win. However, the Raiders have looked equally as unimpressive with their dismal 15.5 points per game average to go along with their 1-3 record. Good thing the Raiders have a clear path to victory, here are three ways that the Raiders can beat the Packers.
1. Take Advantage of Packers’ Injury Woes
The reason NFL GMs are so scrutinized compared to other team builders in other sports is due to the NFL’s large rosters. As much as we love our stars, having tremendous depth is the key to winning championships. The Packers have suffered a slew of injuries and it’s pretty clear that the Packers have not done a great job in terms of depth. The Packers have listed Aaron Jones and Jaire Alexander as questionable while the status of their beaten-up offensive line remains a mystery that needs to be exploited. We already know that David Bakhtiari has suffered a season-ending injury but starting guards Elgton Jenkins and Jon Runyan Jr have suffered injuries that have sidelined Jenkins at multiple points and have severely affected Runyan’s effectiveness. Right tackle Zach Tom is a little banged up as well but is expected to play.
This is where Patrick Graham needs to make his money. I’m suggesting a new NASCAR pass rush package where the defense comes out in a natural nickel formation to match up against the Packers’ beloved 11 personnel. Go into a 3 by 1 box with your defensive lineman, stacking them onto the strong side. Put Maxx Crosby and Tyree Wilson on the same side so they can attack together. Have Issac Rochell be the 1 on the weak side which will have him go into a 1 v 1 against the backup left tackle, allowing the Raiders to contain the edge. This will force Love to get the ball out early so I would have my DBs push into press coverage to close tight windows and the 3 by 1 box will make LaFleur adjust into a six or seven-man protection, giving your DB a numbers advantage against eligible pass catchers.
2. Let Josh Jacobs Take You To Victory
With Davante Adams listed as questionable, the Raiders need to get back to basics, building their offense out of the run game. The misusage of Josh Jacobs this year is almost criminal. He has yet to hit both 20 carries or 100+ rushing yards in a game. It’s clear that Hunter Renfrow isn’t a threat in this offense anymore so I want to see a lot of 12 personnel. Let Austin Hooper and Michael Mayer get some hits in while running it down the Packers throat. The Packers are ranked 30th in run defense and with Jimmy G coming back from injury, the less he has to do, the better.
The Packers’ opponents have averaged 155.3 rushing yards per game in the 2023 season with David Montgomery gashing Green Bay last week in a way that should excite Raiders nation. On 32 carries, Montgomery had 121 rushing yards and three touchdowns. What running the ball it opens up the pass-through play action. Jimmy G is the king of making quick throws into voids so by using Jacobs, the voids will naturally open themselves up to be exploited.
3. Give The Green Light on Fourth and Short
I recognize that the Raiders have one of the best special team units in the entire league behind All-Pro Kicker Daniel Carlson and All-Pro Punter A.J. Cole. However, the Raiders have settled for 3 or a punt on too many occasions which has prohibited them from breaking the 20-point threshold this season. This game might be for the Raiders season so with a team that is as banged up as the Packers are on offense and is so poor at defending the run, it’s time to display an aggressive strategy that might give the Raiders the touchdown they need to get over the hump. Believe in yourself and put your players in a position to win. That means putting the ball and the game in your own guys’ hands.
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