If the Raiders can’t manage to win the battle for the edge on both sides of the ball this Sunday, they may be beyond help.
The Titans were already without top edge rusher Harold Landry who is lost for the season. Now they will also be without their other starting edge rusher Bud Dupree.
In addition, they have ruled out starting left tackle Taylor Lewan.
The #Titans ruled out LT Taylor Lewan (knee) and pass-rusher Bud Dupree (hip) for Sunday's game vs. the #Raiders. Just like last year, Tennessee is once again dealing with a number of key injuries.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 23, 2022
The Raiders will have their top tandem of edge rushers Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones. Without Lewan, there is no excuse for Jones especially not to get significant pressure on Ryan Tannehill. Jones has yet to record a sack this season and has largely been a non-factor in affecting opposing quarterbacks.
No question the Raiders have been vulnerable to opposing teams’ pass rushers. They have had serious issues on the right side of the line in particular and as a whole have surrendered seven sacks.
But if they can’t at least handle the Titans edge rush without Landry and Dupree, well, that would be truly pathetic.
Injuries happen. It’s a part of the game. And it is vital that the Raiders take advantage of it because it won’t get any easier.
