Will Raiders or Packers Win the Trench Battle?

Both the Las Vegas Raiders and the Green Bay Packers know the game of football is won in the trenches.

Offensively, being able to control the line of scrimmage results in more extended time of possession and more scoring opportunities. Defensively, getting after the quarterback and stopping runs for short yardage throws off an offense’s rhythm.

Both the Raiders and Packers will be looking to win the battle in the trenches on Monday Night Football. The Raiders did not allow a sack through the first two games but have surrendered 11 in the most recent two, and they have only recorded seven sacks this season, with defensive end Maxx Crosby responsible for four of them.

The Packers often have a very good offensive line, but this season, they have allowed eight sacks through four games, five of them coming in their most recent defeat to the Detroit Lions.

They are also without their longtime left tackle, David Bakhtiari, who is out for the season due to a knee injury. There are still plenty of talented linemen they can turn to, including Elgton Jenkins and Zach Tom, who can play several spots on the line. Jon Runyan is also a talented player who is off the injury report and should be ready for Monday night’s game.

The Raiders need someone other than Crosby to step up and create pressure on the Packers’ offensive line if they want to have a chance to win. If no one does, quarterback Jordan Love will sit comfortably in the pocket and find open receivers all game.

The Packers have talent all across their defensive line. Veteran Preston Smith has 58 career sacks, and Rashan Gary is having an excellent start to his season. Two-time Pro Bowler Kenny Clark, T.J. Slaton and Devonte Wyatt handle business on the interior. The Raiders will have their hands full with this defensive line group.

The game will be won based on the battle in the trenches. Whichever team’s offensive line can hold up better, and the defensive line can get more pressure will put themselves in a greater position.

If the Raiders want to avoid a fourth straight loss, they will need to clean up the mistakes that plagued their offensive line in the last two weeks, and Crosby needs help on the defensive line as well.

The Silver and Black return home to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas tonight to play the Green Bay Packers at 8:15 p.m. EDT/5:15 p.m. PDT.

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