Oakland Raiders: Keys To Victory Over Chicago Bears

Sep 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett (83) makes a catch against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Remember That Martellus Bennett Can Catch Balls Too

Over the first three weeks of the season, a group of unheralded and mostly unknown tight ends have been the bane of Oakland’s existence. Tyler Eifert, Crockett Gillmore, and Gary Barnidge all had absolute field days against the Oakland defense.

Against the Bears, they’ll be facing a tight end that’s pretty good and not the virtual unknown the others are. Fans can only hope the fact that Bennett is a known commodity, is known as a pretty good tight end will keep the defense alert and awake to his presence.

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So far this season, Bennett has 13 receptions on 18 targets for 118 yards and a touchdown. Not eye popping numbers, to be sure. But Bennett is a player that even a quarterback like Jimmy Clausen or David Fales – if Jay Cutler ends up not being able to go – can feel comfortable with. He’s a big target and has sure, steady hands.

The Raiders are going to have to do a much better job of keeping Bennett in check than they have the roster of no-names who have lit them up the first three weeks of the season. They have athletic linebackers in Malcolm Smith and even Ray-Ray Armstrong who are quick and decent enough in coverage that they can stay with him if he releases off the line.

During the week, Del Rio joked about the Raiders needing to remove the “cloaking device” that is keeping the opposing tight ends invisible to the Oakland defense. Here’s hoping that by Sunday, they’ve figured out how to do just that.

Next: Spread it Around