Davy Jones’ Locker: Buccaneers vs Raiders Q&A with Silver and Black Satisfaction

The Buccaneers have been in a position to survive towards the Carolina Panthers final week to enhance their document to 6-6 and now face one other check within the Las Vegas Raiders.

With Tampa Bay seeking to preserve it’s playoff hopes alive, we had a chat with Matt Holder of Silver and Black delight to get a better have a look at Vegas and the way this sport could shake out.

1. The Raiders are coming off a tricky loss towards Kansas Metropolis. What went effectively for them in that sport and is it one thing they might look to copy this week?

“Aidan O’Connell got here again from damage and performed rather well, his greatest sport as a professional in truth. O’Connell threw for a career-high 340 yards and linked on 5 of his six deep passes for 2 explosive touchdowns. He additionally, properly, focused Brock Bowers early and infrequently as Bowers additionally had a profession/season-best 140 yards on the afternoon and a type of two deep scores.

Defensively, the Raiders have been in a position to reap the benefits of the Chiefs’ weak offensive tackles. Okay’Lavon Chaisson was one other participant who had a profession day with 1.5 sacks and a number of other pressures. Chaisson was so good he bought Wanya Morris benched, and I broke down his efficiency right here if anybody desires to have a look. In fact, Maxx Crosby did his factor as per common, too.

I feel will probably be tougher for Las Vegas’ move rush to have success this week towards Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke, however the crew is actually hopeful O’Connell can replicate his efficiency. The one downside is that game-to-game consistency was his greatest difficulty final season, so it stays to be seen if that may occur.”

2. It has been a tough season for Las Vegas. What are the principle areas the crew wants to enhance upon within the offseason?

“Quarterback, quarterback and quarterback!

The Raiders hoped that O’Connell would beat out Gardner Minshew in coaching camp however the second-year professional regressed and didn’t look good this summer time. That led to Minshew starting the season because the starter and he held the offense again. Once more, O’Connell performed effectively final week however I nonetheless suppose the entrance workplace ought to make investments its excessive draft decide in one other passer, i.e. Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward.

Las Vegas might additionally use some assist at vast receiver now that Davante Adams is gone and extra reinforcements on the offensive line, however these two place teams have been enjoying higher not too long ago. Defensively, the unit was decimated by accidents this yr, shedding Malcolm Koonce earlier than the season began and prized free agent signing Christian Wilkins 5 video games into the marketing campaign. So, the line of defense shouldn’t be too huge of a precedence within the offseason whereas the secondary might actually use a No. 1 nook as Jack Jones has didn’t reside as much as that function this season.”

3. When having a look at this sport, what’s one positional matchup you’ll be keeping track of?

“Jackson Powers-Johnson vs. Vita Vea.

Powers-Johnson has performed effectively since taking up at middle a few month in the past. The teaching employees had him at guard to start the yr and he was stable however shifting again to his extra pure place has actually helped ignite the operating sport and clear up some move safety points. That being stated, JPJ hasn’t confronted an elite nostril sort out like Vea so this Sunday might be a superb measuring stick for the rookie.”

Raiders Middle Jackson Powers-Johnson

Photograph by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Photos

4. End this sentence, the Raiders upset the Bucs if __

“Last week repeats itself for both teams. As mentioned above, the Raiders and O’Connell played really well in Kansas City. They would have won the game had Daniel Carlson not missed three 50-plus-yard field goals and/or the miscommunication on the snap during the final drive didn’t happen. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers seemed to have an off week, narrowly beating the Panthers with an overtime field goal.”

5. How do you see this sport shaking out and what’s your rating prediction?

“The Raiders haven’t won a game in two months and I think losing in heartbreaking fashion to a rival last week will have a carryover effect. Plus, the Bucs have more to play for now that they’re tied for the division lead, so I like Tampa Bay to cover the spread. I’ll go 24-13 Tampa.”