After the regular season ended in Las Vegas last year the 2022 season begins with the same match up. This time however the game is in Los Angeles and that is far from the only difference. Each team has acquired all pro talent in hopes of winning a very competitive AFC West. Once again the Chargers were crowned off-season champions but is this finally their year? With QB Justin Herbert getting better every year and the talent they have on both sides of the ball it very well could be the Chargers year. For the Raiders it’s the same story as always. Predicted to be last in the division. Despite a playoff year and upgrades to the roster and coaching staff. Of course none of this will matter when the ball is kicked off Sunday afternoon. Here are my keys to a silver and black upset on Sunday in my Raiders preview week 1 vs Chargers.
Pressure Herbert
Maxx Crosby was constantly in the backfield last match up and I would expect more of the same Sunday. Chandler Jones will be looking for a big play in his debut. He can change the game instantly with a strip sack and the Raiders must apply pressure constantly. Also, a solid push up the middle and multiple blitzes are also something to watch. Herbert is a very smart QB with a great arm and decision making so Graham needs to apply pressure anyway possible. Without solid pressure Herbert can pick apart the secondary and will almost guarantee a victory for the Chargers.
Contain Austin Ekeler
Hebert gets most of the attention but Austin Ekeler is every bit as dangerous. A threat to score running or receiving the Raiders must have a plan to limit the damage Ekeler can do. With two 100 million dollar WRs Austin is still the best weapon on the team. For Graham and his defense it’s about rallying to the ball and not missing tackles. Also, make sure Ekeler is accounted for on every play or he will be in the endzone multiple times. He is one of the great backs in the NFL and still somehow underrated. The Raiders are going to need every man on defense all game long.
Protect Carr
The biggest question for the Raiders all off-season has been the line especially the right tackle position. Getting the start Sunday will be Jermaine Eluemunor. All the Raiders offense line has to do Sunday is stop one of the better pass rushing duos in the game. Quick throws and a solid screen game will get the Chargers edge rushers to be a little more patient before rushing and could be the advantage the Raiders need. Carr and the offense absolutely can not fall behind the sticks or it will be a long afternoon. The Raiders WR are better than the Chargers CB with or without JC Jackson but it will not matter if the protection doesn’t hold up. How Josh McDaniels attacks this defense is a great area to focus on especially early.
Run Run Run
The Chargers had the leagues worst run defense last year and while they have names they still need to prove they can play run defense. The offensive line needs to establish a dominating force in the trenches and control the game early. The Raiders have multiple backs capable of pounding a defense and that might be their best path to a win on Sunday. Combined with the using the backs in the passing game I believe the Raiders best chance to win this game is to run the ball. Nothing frustrates a pass rusher like getting beat in the run game repeatedly. By the time the pass rush gets home the ball needs to already be down the field.
McDaniels Era Begins
The stakes are extremely high for the season opener for both teams. The Chargers want to prove they belong after an off-season of nonstop media hype. Also, after seeing the Bills dominate Thursday night it appears one of the favorites in the AFC is already established even though it was one game. For the Raiders a second straight win over the highly favored Chargers would be hard to ignore. A statement win for Josh McDaniels in his first game in silver and black could be the starting point for a special year for the Raiders.
Thanks for your time reading my Raiders preview week 1 vs Chargers. For more Raiders talk follow me on Twitter @BrianRobert85 You can also check out my Raiders season outlook here Raiders 2022 Season Outlook: Offense and hereRaiders 2022 Season Outlook: Defense with a look at both the offense and defense. I will be back Monday with a review of the season opener.
