Oakland Raiders: Keys To Victory Over Detroit Lions

4 of 8

Nov 15, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) reacts after throwing a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Lions beat the Packers 18-16. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Get To Stafford Early And Often

For all of Stafford’s struggles and the dysfunction within the team this season, the Lions have still managed to post the league’s eighth best passing offense. Of course, it helps to have guys like Golden Tate and Calvin Johnson to throw the ball to.

Despite the heat Stafford has taken for Detroit’s struggles this season, he’s still a very good quarterback with very good weaponry around him. If you give him time, he will slice you to ribbons. On the defensive side of the ball, the Raiders’ pass defense hasn’t exactly been stout this season. In fact, only the New York Giants are giving up more yards per game.

Live Feed

Who is playing Thursday Night Football in Week 15 (and why should we care)? /

Niner Noise

2024 NFL Mock Draft: Intriguing Day 2 selections for each AFC West team NFL Mocks

The AFC West is slowly slipping out of the Chiefs' grasp Arrowhead Addict

Assessing Broncos' chances to win AFC West, can they actually pull it off? Predominantly Orange

4 Key takeaways from Broncos dominating win over Chargers Predominantly Orange

Broncos massively disrespected in playoff odds and odds to win AFC West Predominantly Orange

But the Raiders have shown some improvement. And they finally have Nate Allen back from injury and have shifted Travis Carrie – Oakland’s best corner – back to his natural position. Having their secondary whole and complete can only help.

That being said, the defensive front really needs to help the secondary out by putting heavy pressure on Stafford. DC Ken Norton has to dial up some blitzes and the defensive front has got to do a good job of collapsing the pocket around him to keep Stafford from getting comfortable. If he gets comfortable, he has the ability to be surgical. And that’s the last thing the Raiders need.

With four sacks of Teddy Bridgewater a week ago, the Raiders have a pass rush that has the ability to get after the quarterback. But with only 19 sacks on the season, they haven’t been consistent – and they haven’t been consistently put in positions to have success.

The best thing this defense can do is to get to Stafford early and often. Rattle him. Shake him. Force him into mistakes. If they don’t manage to put any pressure on him, they could in for a very long day.

Next: Have To Play Big

Home/Derek Carr