We’re continuing with our gameday discussion over on The FEED for the Las Vegas Raiders’ Week 4 matchup against the Chicago Bears. This Sunday’s conversation is centered on the Raiders’ interior offensive line.
That’s been a hot topic of discussion already this week, as it’s one of Las Vegas’ biggest weaknesses right now. Arguably, the biggest. Pete Carroll was even asked about the group on Wednesday and made it clear that they won’t be going back to last year’s combination with Jordan Meredith at left guard, Jackson Powers-Johnson at center and Dylan Parham at right guard.
However, who is in the trenches for the Raiders will still be noteworthy. Alex Cappa has been at right guard after Powers-Johnson suffered a concussion and missed the Week 2 contest against the Chargers, and Cappa got the nod last week when JPJ was healthy. So, that will be our first talking point on Sunday.
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Regardless of who is on the field, it’s no secret that the results from the interior o-line have been horrible so far this season, especially in the running game. Ashton Jeanty has been running for his life, and 101 percent of his rushing yards have come after contact. That being said, this could be a “get right” game for the Raiders’ guards and centers.
The Bears have struggled to stop the run so far this season, and their defensive tackles are a big reason why. That means this game could go one of two ways for Parham, Meredith and Powers-Johnson/Cappa: they get a confidence booster to turn things around heading into the next three months of the season, or it’s a sign that the group is as bad as it comes in the NFL.
That being said, Chicago does have a good interior pass-rusher in Gervon Dexter. While he only has one sack in three games, Dexter ranks tied for 11th among defensive tackles with nine pressures according to Pro Football Focus, and he had five sacks a year ago, his first season as a starter. Given Las Vegas’ issues in pass protection, that’s another reason to keep an eye on the guards and center.
The Raiders and Beras will kick off at 1:00 p.m. PST on CBS (check your local listings) this Sunday, and head over to The FEED if you’re interested in joining this live conversation. I look forward to talkin’ some ball with y’all!