Oakland Raiders: A few keys to week one victory over the LA Rams

Capitalize On Every Opportunity

Just to dovetail on the last point, in addition to minimizing and/or eliminating their own mistakes, it is beyond critical that the Raiders take advantage of any mistakes the Rams make. More than that, it’s imperative the Raiders take advantage of any opportunity and turn it into points.

What makes it difficult is that the Rams are a team that does not make mistakes very often. This is a team that does not beat itself with silly, unforced mental errors – yeah, we’re looking at you, Raiders.

But, given that this is the first game of the season, and the Rams starters may be working through a little bit of the rust, and tightening up their game, since many of them saw little to no action in the preseason, it’s possible there might be a few chinks in the armor tonight.

And if there are, the Raiders absolutely, positively must be ready to pounce. If Goff and the Rams offense slips up in any way, Oakland has got to be there to take advantage of it. Because this LA offense is so explosive, and can beat you in so many different ways, Oakland has got to seize any advantage it possibly can.

Whether it’s a turnover, a punt, or a simple three and out, it would absolutely behoove the Raiders to turn it around, drive the field, take as much time off the clock as possible, and put some points on the board – touchdowns over field goals, preferably.

Miscues by the Rams are few and far between. But, they happen. And when/if the do, the Raiders need to put themselves in a position to capitalize on it.