I know what you’re thinking right now. What about this Raiders team *isn’t* a cause for concern right now? That’s fair. But I suppose some things are more glaring than others. Here are three big ones that come to mind.
Myles Garrett
Antonio Pierce was asked for his thoughts on Myles Garrett and he summed it up with one word – “Scary”. Garrett is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year and for good reason. He was in the top ten in sacks (14), tackles for loss (17), and QB hits (30), and pressures (86). Now, you can argue Maxx Crosby was better considering Crosby had better numbers in every one of those categories, but that’s not really the point here.
The point is Garrett is a problem. And the Raiders offensive tackles have not exactly shown the ability to keep even decent pass rushers out of the backfield this season. Even Kolton Miller has been uncharacteristically susceptible to getting beaten. And rookie DJ Glaze will be making his first start on the other side.
Stars injured
No question the Raiders have exactly two stars on their team. Maxx Crosby on defense and Davante Adams on offense. Neither of whom will play Sunday. Crosby is officially listed as Doubtful by Antonio Pierce said Friday Crosby would be OUT. Adams suffered a hamstring injury in practice this week and he’s been ruled OUT.
Even with Crosby playing last week, the defense gave up 36 points because Crosby was hobbled and not destroying the offense’s game plan. Now, to be without him entirely? Yikes.
The only game the Raiders won this season was when Adams was caught nine passes for 110 yards and had some masterful late game heroics. He won’t be an option in the pass game this week.
League worst ground game
Despite Raiders OC Luke Getsy’s laughable comment that the Raiders run game showed some improvement last week, it hasn’t. Their 2.8 rushing yards per attempt is easily the worst in the league.
And get this, they are ALSO the worst run DEFENSE in the league, giving up a league worst 5.4 yards per carry.
The Browns are decent both in terms of yards per carry on the offense (4.3) and yards per carry allowed by the defense (4.4). Both stats are above league average.
