The Las Vegas Raiders did a good job of keeping star quarterback Justin Herbert in check when they played the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1. Antonio Pierce has to get the Raiders ready to play last year’s NFL MVP, Lamar Jackson, in Week 2.
Herbert went 17/26 passing for 144 yards and one touchdown. Those numbers are low for a quarterback who has over 1,700 yards passing in his first four seasons in the league.
However, the Chargers were able to take advantage of a struggling Raiders offense on Sunday, as Los Angeles won 22-10.
The Raiders offense is going to have to score more than ten points to beat the Ravens. But Pierce knows the defense must keep Jackson from running all over the Raiders’ defense.
The Las Vegas Raiders must keep Lamar Jackson in check
According to Tashan Reed with The Athletic, Pierce said this week that the Raiders cannot run past Jackson on defense, or he’s going to make big plays:
“If you see our guys running up the field running past the quarterback, just pack your bags. It’s going to be a long day for the Raiders,” Pierce said. “When I played, we played against (Michael) Vick, and we called it cage rush — kind of keeping him in (the pocket).
“You see Lamar, he has the ability to slither his way out of it. It’s very difficult. The second-level defenders and your DBs, they’re 12 to 14 yards deep, and all of a sudden he steps up in the A and B gap, and what do you do? Do you stay back in coverage or do you go attack the quarterback? It’s really critical up front that we’re detailed and do our job. … Everybody’s eyes have got to be on (No.) 8.”
Maxx Crosby must be a difference-maker
Jackson is going to make some big plays on Sunday. The Raiders have to limit them. Maxx Crosby needs to take advantage of the opportunities he has on Jackson to hit the star quarterback when he can.
Unfortunately for the Raiders, keeping the focus on just Jackson in the backfield is impossible. Ravens running back Derrick Henry is capable of putting up huge numbers.
The Raiders will need to play sound, disciplined football to earn a win on Sunday.
Related: Raiders add a local Las Vegas native to the practice squad
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