Oakland Raiders: Potential X-Factors In Week Three Tilt With Washington
By Kevin Saito
Since coming into the league out of Purdue in 2011, Kerrigan has become a sack machine. Over his first six seasons in the league, Kerrigan notched 58.5 sacks. And two games into 2017, he’s hit 60 after adding another sack and a half to his total.
Kerrigan’s lowest sack output was the seven and a half he registered as a rookie, twice hitting double digits, (13.5 in 2014, and 11 last season).
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Needless to say, Kerrigan is more than a handful and Oakland’s offensive line is going to have to be on point in trying to contain him.
Kerrigan is a disruptive influence and can be a one-man wrecking crew if given the opportunity to wreak havoc in the backfield. Quarterback Derek Carr is going to have to be aware of Kerrigan and not hesitate to dump the ball off or throw it away should he manage to get through that formidable offensive line.
Given his penchant for racking up sacks, Oakland may need to keep an extra back in the backfield to chip him and by Carr a little more time. Although, given how quickly Carr has been getting rid of the ball so far this season, it may perhaps be, a moot point.
For Oakland’s offense to function to its fullest and strongest capacity, it starts up front. The offensive line, arguably, the best in the league, needs to step up their game. They need to neutralize Kerrigan’s pass rush and shut him down.
If they can’t find a way to make him a non-factor, he could be an X-Factor that really bites them in the backside.