Oakland Raiders: Keys To Victory Over New York Jets

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Sep 27, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Oakland Raiders safety Charles Woodson (24) celebrates with teammates David Amerson (29) and Larry Asante (42) after intercepting a pass in the final minute against the Cleveland Browns in a NFL game at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Browns 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Secondary MUST Be On Point

Given the fact that the Raiders have the third best run defense in the NFL – behind only the Falcons and the Jets – this game very well could turn into a shootout. Both teams may try to test those waters early on, but if the running backs can’t find a lot of room to roam, expect to see the ball flying all over the field on Sunday.

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With a pair of receivers in Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall who can make plays, the Raiders’ secondary is going to have to absolutely be on point. D.J. Hayden and David Amerson are going to have their hands full despite the fact that the Jets have just the sixteenth ranked passing attack, checking in with an average of 242 yards per game through the air.

For three quarters against San Diego last week, Hayden and Amerson combined to severely limit the effectiveness of Keenan Allen – who leads the league in receptions. Against the Broncos in week five, despite the fact that Emmanuel Sanders went off for 111 yards, they managed to blunt the impact he had by holding him out of the endzone and stifling the rest of Denver’s passing attack

The secondary hasn’t been flashy and they’ve had a penchant for getting blown up from time to time, but over their last couple of games, they’ve done a much better job of staying with their receivers, of limiting their impact, and not getting burned.

No, they’re not Revis and Cromartie, but Oakland’s corners seem to be trending in the right direction. Their defense has been better as has their ability to stay with their receiver. If they can come out against the Jets and show the exact same sort of intensity and tenacity they did against San Diego, you have to like their chances.

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