Packers at Raiders: Three Reasons for Optimism
GREEN BAY, Wis. – Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur is 4-0 in the game before the bye. Here are three reasons why the Packers will hit the jackpot by beating the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night.
1. Jordan Love Will Dominate Raiders
All eyes on this week’s injury report were on Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander and Raiders receiver Davante Adams. That will be the marquee individual matchup.
However, it’s worth noting that the Raiders’ starting nickel defender, Nate Hobbs, is out. Plus, rookie starting corner Jakorian Bennett is questionable. Las Vegas’ pass defense has been terrible even at full strength, ranking 29th in opponent passer rating and 26h in opponent completion percentage.
Love has struggled with his accuracy through four games, though LaFleur saw signs of improvement this week.
“I think it’s growing,” LaFleur said of the chemistry between a first-year starting quarterback and a bunch of young pass-catchers. “I feel like we’ve had one of our better weeks of practice. You could really see it within the passing game. Hopefully, that goes and translates on Monday night.”
With Green Bay’s offensive line mostly at full strength with left guard Elgton Jenkins, right guard Jon Runyan and right tackle Zach Tom good to go following injuries, Love should have time so long as they can prevent Maxx Crosby from wrecking the game.
Meanwhile, big-play receiver Christian Watson is ready for an extended role. Plus, rookie receiver Jayden Reed could be in line for a big day with Hobbs out of action.
Love’s completion percentage is the lowest in the league. His air yards per attempt are the longest in the league. The extended break since last week’s loss to Detroit might lead to a refocused and more efficient passing game.
“I think for me, the biggest thing that I can do to help all those stats is just find those completions,” Love said. “You talked about the most deep-balls downfield. I think there’s a time and place (for those) — just knowing when to pull the trigger, when to check the ball down, just get those positive plays and get the sticks moving [with improved] situational awareness.
“I think all those things will improve the more reps I get, the more comfortable I get. It’s all learning situations. I think the completion percentage will keep going up. I’m going to push myself to keep finding those completions and getting those positive plays.”
2. Rashan Gary and Co. vs. Raiders Offensive Line
Last week, Chargers star Khalil Mack burned the Raiders for six sacks and two forced fumbles. In the height of domination, Mack beat everyone in sight. Most of the production, however, came against right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor.
Packers star Rashan Gary splits his pass-rushing snaps just about equally between left and right side. Expect defensive coordinator Joe Barry to match Gary against Eluemunor and away from standout left tackle Kolton Miller as much as possible in key moments.
“He’s got a great motor, great play style, very physical, can win with speed or power,” Raiders coach Josh McDaniels said of Gary. “Every time I turn the film on, it’s like there’s another rush move or another way to get to the quarterback or a way to disrupt the running game. Very physical player, very impressed with him.
“They’ve got a lot of guys that I’d say in that category on the edge that do it the right way, physical, good length, can rush for speed or power. This is another real big test for us on the edge.”
Can Rashan Gary make some big plays for the Packers against the Raiders?
Photo by Wm. Glasheen/USA Today Sports Images
Gary vs. Eluemunor isn’t the only matchup that should work in Green Bay’s favor. Defensive tackle Kenny Clark is off to a hot start, as well, and should have opportunities against left guard Dylan Parham, center Andre James and right guard Greg Van Roten, who got his start with the Packers in 2012.
A defense has to earn the right to rush the passer. The play of Las Vegas’ offensive line is a big reason why reigning NFL rushing king Josh Jacobs is next-to-last with 2.7 yards per carry. That includes just 1.4 yards before contact. So, there should be some third-and-long opportunities for Green Bay’s pass rush this week.
Back to Gary, he’s played about 20 snaps each of the last three games. He might be primed for a bigger workload as his comeback from last year’s ACL injury continues.
“I think he’s a tremendous player,” LaFleur said. “He’s one of those guys that you have to account from an offensive standpoint on every play. You know you’re going to get it every snap. He’s going to throw it all out there and do his best and play with a high motor.
“He’s a tone-setter. Just trying to get him in better football shape as we go. I think he’s done a tremendous job. He’s obviously had a great impact when he’s been in the game. Hopefully, we can continue to add volume to his workload.”
3. Turnovers Mismatch
The Raiders are a league-worst minus-9 in turnovers, a ghastly combination of 10 giveaways and one takeaway. They’ve lost the turnover battle in every game, including minus-8 during their three-game losing streak.
Jimmy Garoppolo will be back in the lineup at quarterback after missing last week’s loss to the Chargers with a concussion. He’s usually been good at taking care of the football with a 99.2 passer rating while with the 49ers. Last year, he threw 16 touchdowns vs. four interceptions for San Francisco in 11 games. This year, he’s thrown five touchdowns vs. a league-high six interceptions in three games for the Raiders.
“I have to be smart with it,” he said. “Just if the play’s not there, be willing to throw it away, move on to the next play, things like that. Just living to fight another down, really.”
The Packers are minus-1 in turnovers each of the last two games. With Green Bay’s offensive line set to be bolstered by the return of Jenkins and with the Raiders’ offensive line’s struggles, everything is set for Green Bay to make a couple game-changing plays.
More Green Bay Packers News
Packers-Raiders final injury report … Status of Adams vs. Alexander?
