The preseason gave clues that the Raiders might have trouble defending against the run, and coach Antonio Pierce has made it clear that improvements are needed. He remains unhappy with the situation, and with good reason.
Las Vegas had a real chance to start the season with a win over their AFC West rival, the Chargers, but their second-half run defense was a major factor in their 22-10 loss in Los Angeles.
The Chargers gained 150 of their 176 rushing yards after halftime. Key runs by J.K. Dobbins, including gains of 46 and 61 yards, helped set up a field goal that changed the lead in the third quarter and a touchdown that sealed the game in the fourth.
“That’s what keeps you humble in this game,” said Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. “You never have all the answers. The job’s never done until it’s completely done, but that’s just football. That’s just how the game goes.”
The Raiders will travel to Baltimore on Sunday to face a Ravens offense led by reigning Associated Press MVP and dual-threat quarterback Lamar Jackson, along with powerful running back Derrick Henry.
Jackson displayed his agility in Thursday night’s 27-20 loss to the two-time defending champion Kansas City. He ran for 122 yards on 16 attempts, and Ravens coach John Harbaugh mentioned that he wanted to stay aggressive even if it might risk his quarterback’s safety.
What makes Jackson particularly dangerous is his ability to punish defenses that try to limit his running. He completed 26 of 41 passes for 273 yards in the opener, and Pierce said that Jackson’s skill in passing makes him harder to defend against.
“If you see our guys run up the field, running past the quarterback, just pack your bags, it’s going to be a long day for the Raiders,” Pierce said.
“We have to do a good job. When I played, we played against (Michael) Vick. We called it a cage rush, kind of keeping him in. You see Lamar, he has the ability to slither his way out of it.”
