Preview: Lions Facing 'Discombobulated' Raiders Offense
Hondo Carpenter of Raiders Today covers the Las Vegas Raiders for FanNation. He answered five questions heading into the Lions-Raiders matchup at Ford Field on Monday Night Football.
Las Vegas heads into the nationally-televised contest with a 3-4 record, having lost a contest against the Chicago Bears that surprised many, given the Bears' struggles to start the season.
Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn indicated Detroit's defense must be patient matching up against Raiders wideout Davante Adams.
“He is very patient, and he’s going to force you to make a move, because he has this knack with most of the quarterbacks that he’s played with to understand exactly how he plays," said Glenn. "It’s almost like he’s playing basketball.
"I remember a guy that played in Buffalo, (former Bills wideout) Steve Johnson, I don’t know if you guys remember this player. But, man, he kind of reminds me of him," Glenn explained further. "Probably not the 40-yard fastest guy, but man, the quick twitch within the movements of his routes off the line, you don’t see a lot of guys with that and he is a -- he’s one of kind, I would say that. He is one of a kind.”
1.) The Raiders have started the season 3-4. What have you learned so far about this team?
Hondo Carpenter: That the offense, despite all of the weapons and a price tag among the highest in the NFL, is discombobulated and impotent.
2.) Do you think Josh McDaniels is the right coach for the Raiders?
Carpenter: His track record up to this point would make any fair person question it, but the most critical person to answer that question is Mark Davis, who believes in him.
3.) It appeared the rookies had a quiet performance in the Week 7 loss to the Bears. Which rookies have impressed you so far this season?
Carpenter: Jakorian Bennett, the cornerback, Michael Mayer, the tight end, and while underused, wideout Tre Tucker is a star on the rise. This Raiders team has a lot of young talent that has to develop.
4.) What are one-two key matchups you are watching this week?
Carpenter: Can the Raiders finally score 20-plus points? They can’t beat the Lions scoring under 20 points. Second, can Josh Jacobs run the football against Glenn's defense. Also, will look to see if the Raiders threaten the Lions with the long ball.
5.) Prediction time: Do the Raiders have a real shot to upset the Lions on Monday Night Football?
Carpenter: The Raiders won’t get to 20 points, as they fall on Monday Night Football at Ford Field, 24-16.
