Oakland Raiders: Keys To Victory Over New York Jets

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Aug 21, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Line judge Sarah Thomas (53) throws a penalty flag during the second half of the game between the New York Jets and the Atlanta Falcons at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Falcons 30-22. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Play a Clean Game

There are two things the Raiders absolutely can’t afford to do against the Jets – turn the ball over and shoot themselves in the foot by taking stupid penalties.

Against the Chargers last week, the Raiders were flagged an unbelievable 14 times for 136 yards. Because they’d managed to build such an insurmountable lead, they were able to overcome that. But against the Jets, giving up that sort of yardage – and the field position that goes with it – is going to bite them in the butt hard.

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Once again, the Raiders are among the league leaders in penalties and penalty yardage. Against the Chargers, we saw some truly undisciplined play and completely boneheaded errors. That sort of thing isn’t going to work against a team that is as good as the Jets and is likely going to haunt them if they continue that sort of thing.

The Raiders are going to need to clean up the laundry situation right quick.

Oakland had a clean game against the Chargers last week in terms of turnovers. They had two takeaways and for the first time this season, no turnovers. That puts them on the plus side of the giveaway/takeaway ledger, which is the good news. The bad news is that the Jets are tied for third in the league in takeaways with 15 – eight interception and seven fumbles.

The Jets know how to get the ball away from their opponent. The Raiders need to be aware of it and need to do what’s necessary to secure the ball. They cannot afford to turn the ball over and need to make each and every possession count.

Next: Smart Play Required

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