Oakland Raiders: The 5 Toughest Games On The Schedule

Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) celebrates after making a catch against the Baltimore Ravens in the second half during the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. The Ravens won 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Week 9: @Pittsburgh Steelers

With defensive stalwarts like Troy Polamalu, and Jason Worilds retiring, and Ike Taylor becoming a free agent, Pittsburgh’s defense is going to look a lot different in 2015. Though they’ve picked up some gamers like Ryan Shazier and Bud Dupree, Pittsburgh’s defense may take a step backward this season.

The good news for the Steelers though, is that they proved last season that they can help out a suspect defense by being an offensive juggernaut. With Ben Roethlisberger throwing for a shade under 5,000 yards and 32 touchdowns, Le’Veon Bell running for just under 1,400 yards, and Antonio Brown hauling in nearly 1,700 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns, Pittsburgh showed that they have a lethal offense.

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Oakland’s revamped defensive front is going to have their hands full trying to contain Bell, which is going to open up the passing game for Roethlisberger. Oakland should expect him to go after their young corners, D.J. Hayden, Travis Carrie, and Keith McGill early and often.

Furthermore, the Raiders really have to close their eyes and hope that Hayden, Carrie, and McGill are up to the task.

The Raiders can help out their secondary by getting a good push up front. If Oakland can unleash Khalil Mack and put some real, sustained pressure on Roethlisberger and get him out of his rhythm, he might force him into some bad mistakes, or impact his accuracy.

It is all going to begin up front. If Oakland’s defensive front can get into Roethlisberger’s head, if they can hit him on play after play after play, it will work to their advantage. Not to mention ease the burden on their young cornerbacks.

If they can’t though, and Roethlisberger has all the time in the world to sit in the pocket, make his reads, and pick the defense apart, it is not going to go well for the Raiders. At all.

Next: Week 11: Rendering A Lion Toothless