How Garoppolo Can Succeed vs. Steelers Defense

For the Las Vegas Raiders’ offense, their success is contingent upon the performance of their quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, week in and week out.

So far, Garoppolo has performed adequately, operating Coach Josh McDaniels’ system in an efficient manner. However, the Raiders have not had much success putting the ball in the end zone so far this season.

Garoppolo and the Raiders will look to have a breakout offensive game as they welcome the Pittsburgh Steelers to Allegiant Stadium for a prime time Sunday Night Football game.

The Steelers have always been an excellent defensive team, but have shown a few blemishes on that side of the ball through their first two games.

McDaniels is an experienced offensive coach who knows how to capitalize on the shortcomings of an opposing defense, and he has the quarterback to run his system to its highest efficiency. This game against the Steelers is a chance for Garoppolo to put points on the board.

So how can Garoppolo find success against the Steelers’ defense? It starts with being able to handle pressure from Pittsburgh’s dangerous pass rush duo, T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. According to Pro Football Focus, those two have combined for 21 pressures and five sacks through two games this season.

Garoppolo has never been a mobile quarterback, but he doesn’t necessarily have to be in this game. He just has to be able to evade pressure from Watt and Highsmith by moving up the pocket and getting the ball out quickly. While this is easier said than done, it is not impossible.

The Raiders have a few favorable match-ups in this game when it comes to their wide receivers against Pittsburgh’s defensive backs. Patrick Peterson has allowed six completions on 10 targets and two touchdowns, with a 130 passer rating against him. Levi Wallace has allowed eight completions on 11 targets with a 99.8 passer rating against him.

Those are match-ups Garoppolo and the Raiders’ receivers can take advantage of, they will only need to be mindful of Pittsburgh’s All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who will take advantage of any mistakes Garoppolo might make.

The Steelers have a good defensive unit, but Garoppolo and the Raiders can find ways to succeed against them. If they want to win games this season, they will need to put the ball in the end zone more, and that can start with this game.

The Silver and Black return home to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to play the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Sept. 24, at 8:20 p.m. EDT/5:20 p.m. PDT.

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