How Can the Raiders Stop Mack This Time Around?

Los Angeles Chargers star edge rusher Khalil Mack was once a dominant force for the Oakland Raiders.

The former fifth overall selection in the 2014 NFL Draft posted 40.5 sacks in four seasons with the Raiders. Once again, Mack faces his former team, this time at Allegiant Stadium on Thursday Night Football.

Mack will play in his fourth career game against the Raiders and he has turned in outstanding performances against Las Vegas in the first three, most notably in the last game in Week 4.

Mack sacked rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell six times in the Raiders’ 24-17 defeat at the hands of the Chargers, posting 10 total tackles and two forced fumbles. Mack was a menace for the Raiders’ offensive line, and they will try to prevent him from having another big performance on Thursday night.

On his first sack, Mack lined up out wide, allowing linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu to occupy Jermaine Eluemunor and Greg Van Roten on the right side. Mack stunted inside and went essentially unblocked straight to O’Connell. On the second sack, he bull-rushed left takle Kolton Miller and forced a fumble.

On his third, he overpowered Eluemunor one-on-one and forced another fumble. On his fourth, he again overpowered Eluemunor, out-leveraging him around the edge.

On his fifth, he lined up out wide again, chipping running back Josh Jacobs. The interior rush got to O’Connell initially, and Mack finished the play. On his final sack, he maneuvered around fullback Jakob Johnson and put a move on Eluemunor.

The Chargers lined Mack up primarily on the right side to attack Eluemunor. The Raiders must load up the right side with a tight end to help Eluemunor against Mack and double him frequently.

At 32 years old, Mack has had a career year with the Chargers. He has 15 sacks and is as physically imposing as he has been throughout his career. The Raiders are well aware of what Mack is capable of as a pass rusher and will try to slow him down.

The Raiders must limit the damage Mack will cause against their offensive line, which may be without Miller again because of a shoulder injury. The tight ends and running backs must help the offensive linemen who will line up across from Mack.

Keeping their quarterback upright is a must to defeat the Chargers and keep their slim playoff chances alive. Mack will do everything he can to disrupt the Raiders’ offensive rhythm, so giving the offensive line as much help as possible will be critical.

The Silver and Black will turn around quickly and host their AFC West rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers, on Thursday, December 14, at 8:15 p.m. EST/5:15 p.m. PST.

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