Last Week: Chargers 24, Raiders 17
With starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo sidelined while in the NFL’s concussion protocol, rookie fourth-round draft pick passer Aidan O’Connell made his debut and had the Raiders in position to force overtime with less than three minutes to play. But then the Purdue product threw an interception at the three-yard line to all but end the Raiders’ hope and send them to a third straight loss. O’Connell played decently given his inexperience, throwing for 238 yards and rushing for a touchdown but also took seven sacks and committed seven turnovers. Los Angeles went up 24-7 in the first half after a pair of lost fumbles by O’Connell, but Las Vegas stormed back behind big games from running back Josh Jacobs (139 total yards) and edge rusher Maxx Crosby (two sacks and a key fourth-down stop).
This Week: Packers (2-2) at Raiders (1-3)
When: 5:15 p.m., Monday Oct. 9
Where: Allegiant Stadium
TV: ESPN
Radio: 920 AM, KOMP 92.3
Betting line: Packers -1.5, over/under 43.5
Matchup: Top receiver Davante Adams faces off against his former team for the first time since leaving Green Bay for Las Vegas last year. Adams grew to be regarded as the best receiver in the NFL during eight seasons with the Packers, which took him in the second round out of Fresno State in the 2014 NFL Draft. He’s most associated with three-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who called Adams the best played he’s ever had as a teammate, but he left Green Bay for the New York Jets this offseason before tearing his Achilles in Week 1. But several other former teammates remain including one who will line up across from the Raiders’ receiver on a near every-down basis — cornerback Jaire Alexander, who credits Adams for helping him turn into a consistent Pro Bowler.
Raider to Watch: Edge rusher Maxx Crosby
Adams is too easy, so let’s go with…the second-easiest choice. Crosby is must-see television each week on a Raiders’ defense that otherwise doesn’t have a whole lot going for it. Opponents center their entire gameplan on slowing Crosby, and he still finds a way to make an impact repeatedly. Crosby should have been credited with a third sack, and forced fumble, against the Chargers but cornerback David Long lined up in the neutral zone to draw a penalty flag. He also coaxed the Raiders’ first interception of the year by forcing Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert out of the pocket and into a bad throw to safety Tre’von Moehrig. It’s hard to believe Crosby has found another gear after back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons, but the 26-year-old looks better than ever this season.
