The Raiders will face the Steelers on Sunday at a crucial time for both teams.
Las Vegas has a 2-3 record, a new starting quarterback in Aidan O’Connell, a star wide receiver in Davante Adams who might be traded, many injuries, and a tough schedule ahead.
After playing the Steelers, the Raiders will go up against the Rams, Chiefs, and Bengals, with two of those games on the road.
“They’re all big, but this is definitely … big time,” Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers said. “We just want to get all the bad taste out. We want to get back on the winning track, get above .500.”
The Raiders will soon find out if they still have a shot at the playoffs or if the focus will shift to the future, including the possibility of finding a franchise quarterback next year. The Steelers also have their challenges.
They excited their large fan base by starting 3-0 while their AFC North rivals struggled. But as the Ravens started to establish themselves as the top team in the division, the Steelers lost two games in a row.
They fell behind 17-0 at Indianapolis before trying to come back, then allowed the winning touchdown with 20 seconds left against the Cowboys.
Those losses have sparked discussions about a quarterback controversy. Justin Fields will start against the Raiders, but another poor offensive performance might lead to Russell Wilson stepping in.
There’s also the potential distraction of George Pickens, the talented but often troublesome receiver, who has seen less playing time. He wore eye black in the Dallas game that said “open (expletive) always.”
The Steelers likely need to win now since the second half of their schedule is one of the toughest in the NFL.
“There’s so much football out there to play,” Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson said. “Whether you win or lose, you just want to get back in the building. The only thing that really changes is the attitude about it. You come off a loss, you’re a little more salty.
“But everything is still the same in terms of preparing for the next opponent.”
