The Green Bay Packers will attempt to go into the bye week at 3-2 when they take on the struggling Las Vegas Raiders (1-3) on Monday night at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Can the Packers bounce back on offense, contain the Raiders’ star power and leave Sin City with a big primetime win?
Buy Packers TicketsHere are the five biggest keys to beating the Raiders in Week 5:
Win the turnover battle
The Raiders have turned the ball over 10 times, including nine times during the current three-game losing streak (three in each game). Jimmy Garoppolo entered Week 5 tied for the league lead in interceptions despite missing a game. And the Raiders aren’t taking the ball away, either (one interception in four games). Simple for the Packers: win the ball, win the game. Jordan Love needs to avoid giveaways and the Packers must force Garoppolo into bad, game-changing decisions. The turnover battle is one area where this young Packers team must find an edge each and every week.
Don't let Maxx Crosby take over
Crosby, who has 27 pressures in four games, might be the only player to truly fear in the Raiders defensive front. According to PFF, no other player on the Raiders defense has more than eight pressures, and only one other edge rusher — Malcolm Koonce — has more than five pressures. Last week, the Packers couldn’t get a handle on Aidan Hutchinson and it wrecked the entire first half. The Packers offensive line, which is returning Elgton Jenkins, must play better out of the gates, especially against Crosby, who can take over games just like Hutchinson. Crosby almost never comes off the field, so it will be a 60-minute battle for the Packers up front.
Keep Josh Jacobs from breaking out
Josh Jacobs, last year’s rushing champ, is averaging only 2.7 yards per carry for the NFL’s worst rushing offense to start 2023. But this is a stoppable force (Jacobs) meeting a moveable object (Packers run defense). While Joe Barry’s defense held up fine against the Bears and Saints, the Falcons and Lions both ran over the Packers, opening the door for Jacobs to get back on track on Monday night. The Raiders offense would look a lot different if Jacobs can get going and Jimmy Garoppolo can operate from a play-action heavy passing game. If the Packers keep Jacobs in check and force Garoppolo into obvious passing situations, sacks and takeaways will likely follow.
Protect Jordan Love
Jordan Love has made some impressive throws while under pressure through four games in 2023, but he’s been at his best (like all quarterbacks) from clean pockets. This aligns with keeping Maxx Crosby from taking over. Entering Week 5, the Raiders defense produced one of the NFL’s lowest overall pressure rates, so the Packers have a chance to provide Love with time to distribute the football. It’s worth noting that Monday night serves as the first time Love will have Christian Watson, Aaron Jones, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed and Luke Musgrave all healthy (and close to full-time players) this season. Give the Packers quarterback time, and he could have his most efficient game as a passer on Monday night.
Pressure Jimmy Garoppolo
This is the key to winning the turnover battle. Jimmy Garoppolo wants to play quick and in rhythm from clean pockets, and he’s an excellent distributor when he can play on time. The Packers need to force him to hold the ball and improvise. Garoppolo lacks the athleticism, pocket movement and creativity to consistently create and win when the pocket collapses. In fact, he’s more prone to panic and make poor decisions (four interceptions thrown on just 24 pressured dropbacks this season). Although the Raiders offensive line has protected well in spurts this season, they did allow seven sacks in Week 4, including six by Khalil Mack off the right side. This could be a big-time coming out party for Rashan Gary or Lukas Van Ness on Monday night. The nightmare scenario is Garoppolo playing fast and paper-cutting the Packers to death. As always, consistent pressure is the key.
