With the winless Bengals coming to Oakland on Sunday, it might seem as though the Raiders have an easy task this week — just roll the football out there and voilà, another win notched, and a 6-4 record secured.
But the Raiders must beware — this game is a trap.
As in, it’s a classic trap game. The Raiders are riding high after two consecutive home wins, and upon receiving positive press during an extra-long layoff after a Thursday night game, it’s human nature to relax at least a bit, especially with an 0-9 Cincinnati team on deck.
Here are the Raiders to watch as the team looks to maintain its edge and keep pace in the AFC West.
1. DE Clelin Ferrell
Defensive end Clelin Ferrell had his best game as a professional in the Raiders’ win Thursday night, notching 2.5 quarterback sacks against the Chargers. As the No. 4 overall choice in the 2019 draft, it was a performance that was overdue.
Ferrell has a great opportunity this week to keep rolling. Bengals quarterbacks have been sacked 31 times this season, and if the Raiders’ offense can get off to a quick start, Cincinnati’s rookie QB, Ryan Finley, will drop back plenty, giving Ferrell ample opportunity to attack the backfield.
Also, keep an eye on fellow rookie DE, Maxx Crosby, and veteran DE Benson Mayowa. But as the No. 4 pick in the draft, even general manager Mike Mayock is watching Ferrell closely.
“We asked him to play a bunch inside, and that’s hard. He’s never played inside in his life,” Mayock said, per Matt Kawahara of The San Francisco Chronicle. Mayock pointed out that Ferrell played the majority of his snaps on the edge and thrived in the Raiders’ wins against the Lions and Chargers.
Watch to see if Ferrell can continue his momentum. He doesn’t have to increase his sack total to accomplish this. Simply setting the edge and disrupting the offense, especially the quarterback, is fantastic progress for the rookie. If he can do that consistently, he’s sure to finish the job and sack the QB with regularity.
2. QB Derek Carr
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr is playing out of his mind this season. In his second year with the offensive guru, coach Jon Gruden, Carr is running the west coast offense to near perfection.
Consider these stats through eight games, courtesy of the Raiders’ public relations department.
And during game No. 9, Carr led a go-ahead drive with supreme confidence, resulting in yet another Raiders win, this time against the Chargers.
But Carr is allowing the entire team to shine, not just himself. He’s leaning on the run game, not making mistakes and playing with precision, getting the ball to his receivers at just the right time. Watch to see if he can keep his edge against a subpar opponent, and maybe even break loose a little and bomb the football downfield for big gains.
3. RB Josh Jacobs
Of course, sensational rookie running back Josh Jacobs is always a player to watch, and he’s undoubtedly been featured in this column before.
But if the Raiders can keep their edge, Jacobs could be in line for a breakout game, even for him.
The Bengals’ run defense allows an incredible 173 yards per game at this point in the season, worst in the NFL. Watch to see if Jacobs can put on a show even he has yet to perform.
Also, keep an eye on the next two players on the list, who figure to ignite any fireworks on offense by the Raiders’ skill players.
4. OG Richie Incognito
Raiders guard Richie Incognito’s addition to the offensive line is paying dividends during Oakland’s recent resurgence. After coming out of retirement and serving a two-game suspension, he’s playing at a Pro Bowl level.
And he’s brought a toughness to the Raiders that any team would welcome. But for the Silver and Black, it seems an especially good fit.
Watch Incognito as he moves to the left or right in Oakland’s zone running scheme. His agility and power is something to behold. And if the Raiders run the ball effectively, as they usually do, watch Incognito and the next player on this week’s list provide insurance for Carr in the passing game.
5. OT Trent Brown
Offensive tackle Trent Brown figures to have a good day pushing the Bengals’ defense around in the run game, allowing Jacobs to potentially run wild.
The high-priced free-agent helped solidify the front line for the Raiders, powering Gruden’s west coast offense. Jacobs already set the franchise record for rookie runners, and Carr has been sacked just 12 times thus far. He’s been worth every penny of his record contract.
And Brown knows what it takes to win a Super Bowl, having won it all last season with an AFC team on the east coast. He knows the Raiders can’t look past the Bengals. Instead, the club must treat Cincinnati as though they’re the best team in the league, or at least, a team of trained professionals coming to take what’s rightfully theirs.
If the Raiders play the brand of football they’re capable of, they’ll get past this challenge and keep pace with the AFC West-leading Chiefs, who have the same number of losses as Oakland does. But it’s not time to think about that. It’s time to focus on the Bengals — the best team the Raiders play this week.
