Oakland Raiders: A Few Keys To Victory Over The Houston Texans

Get Into Osweiler’s Face and Into His Head

Athletes like to say that they’ve got short memories and don’t recall things from previous games. But if anybody thinks Osweiler doesn’t remember the last time he squared off with Oakland’s defense and the beating he took, they’re simply deluding themselves.

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In that game – while Osweiler was still wearing a Broncos uniform – Khalil Mack almost single-handedly destroyed Denver’s game plan. More than that, he very nearly destroyed Osweiler himself, sacking him an astounding five times for the game.

Osweiler is probably still having nightmares about that game.

Probably much to Osweiler’s horror, Mack is going to get another crack at him Monday night. But it likely isn’t going to be easy. Houston has only given up 17 sacks on the season, which puts them among the best in that category.

But the Raiders pass rushers are going to need to find a way over, around, and through this Houston line. They have got to find a way to get to Osweiler and drop him. When Osweiler is pressured, he makes bad decisions – which is evidenced by his nine interceptions so far this season.

The Raiders have been opportunistic and have done a good job of forcing quarterbacks into bad decisions. They’ve picked off eight passes so far this season, putting them in the upper half of the league in the category. And the Texans, with their nine intecepted passes, also rank in the upper half of the league in that dubious category.

Which could be a perfect mix for the Raiders to take advantage of.

If they can get to Osweiler and rattle his cage, the chances are high that they will force him into a bad decision or two – and can hopefully take full advantage of it.