Oakland Raiders: Ranking 2018 games from least to most difficult
By Kevin Saito
Week 6: Seattle Seahawks @Wembley Stadium (6)
One of the biggest challenges the Raiders have faced over recent seasons is traveling. Specifically, the fact that they don’t travel well, internationally speaking.
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Other than a game they won against Houston in Mexico City in 2016, the Raiders, traditionally speaking, tend to get waxed by opposing teams, while playing in foreign countries.
To wit, there was the 38-14 thrashing by Miami in Wembley in 2014. There was also the 33-8 beatdown by the Patriots, in Mexico City, last season. Oakland is 1-2 in international games, being outscored 91-49.
So, playing internationally is a bit of a problem for these Raiders.
In their opponent – the Seahawks – they’ll find a dynamic quarterback in Russell Wilson, a rookie running back who has the potential to be dynamic in Rashaad Penny, and not a whole lot more.
Seattle’s got a creaky offensive line that’s nearly gotten Wilson killed the last couple of seasons, a wide receiving group that is non-descript and unproven, and a defense – now, that they’ve effectively dismantled the Legion of Boom and the defense that was so dominant for a time – that has more questions than answers.
On paper, it’s a game the Raiders should win. But then, they don’t necessarily travel all that well.
Week 5: @San Diego Chargers (5)
The Chargers rival the Chiefs in terms of the fits they tend to give the Raiders. The Raiders were swept by the Chargers last season, and in the latter game, a 30-10 drubbing, they didn’t even look all that inspired to fight.
Oakland’s offensive line is going to have to come to play. They’ll need to be sharp from the opening snap until the final gun, if they hope to keep the likes of quarterback killers Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram off of Derek Carr.
Given the hellacious pass rush the Chargers can put on, protecting Carr and giving him the time and space needed to operate is going to be key in this game.
A season ago, Los Angeles’ rush defense was abysmal, ranking thirty-first in the league. Most of those same guys are back, and there doesn’t necessarily seem to be any reason to believe they’re going to be a whole lot better this year.
Which means, it’s on the offensive line to blow open holes, exploit the weaknesses in that defensive front, and give guys like Marshawn Lynch – and then maybe either Doug Martin or Chris Warren III – the freedom to get to that second level.
Softening up the defense with a strong ground game will be key to softening up a pass defense that was among the best in the league a season ago.