Los Raiders vuelven a Los Ángeles con la tarea de con un triunfo cortar dos rachas: su seguidilla de dos descalabros en la actual temporada y conseguir su primer triunfo en el Estadio SoFi desde el 8 de Noviembre del 2020. En esta ocasión, Las Vegas (2-4) se verá las caras con los Rams (1-4), quienes vienen de su semana de descanso.
La línea ofensiva de los Malosos sigue queriendo encontrar la continuidad que se necesita para tener a una unidad más sólida, pero las lesiones le siguen pegando. El guardia derecho titular Dylan Parham (pie) ha quedado descartado para el partido, con todo apuntando a que Jordan Meredith entrará al quite y con ello pondría a una cuarta combinación titular diferente en la línea ofensiva durante el séptimo partido de la temporada 2024. Con el número alto de lesiones que se han dado temprano durante la actual campaña, el staff de coacheo de los Raiders tomó la decisión que los primeros dos entrenamientos de la semana se dieran sin hombreras, con la intención de tener cuerpos más frescos el domingo.
Aidan O'Connell y los linieros Malosos no tendrán que estresarse en verse las caras con una de las leyendas del deporte de las tacleadas, ya que este es el primer año desde el 2014 en el que los Rams no cuentan con el tackle defensivo Aaron Donald, quien anunció su retiro de la NFL en Abril. Sin él, se le ha complicado a la defensa de Los Ángeles el poner presión al mariscal de campo rival, sumando nueve capturas entre sus primeros cinco partidos de la temporada. Ahora esa responsabilidad está recayendo en jugadores jóvenes, incluyendo a Jared Verse y Braden Fiske, a quienes tomaron con sus primeras dos selecciones del draft 2024, además de Kobie Turner y Byron Young, a los cuales eligieron en la tercera ronda del draft 2023.
Del lado ofensivo del balón, Matthew Stafford está en su cuarto año con los Carneros y decimosexto como mariscal de campo titular en la NFL. Sus dos receptores abiertos estelares Cooper Kupp (tobillo) y Puka Nacua (rodilla) se han visto afectados por lesiones, combinádose para 183 yardas y una anotación en 22 recepciones, con Nacua solo viendo acción en el juego inaugural de la temporada para Los Ángeles ante Detroit y Kupp jugando en los primeros dos partidos. De los 9 touchdowns que han anotado a la ofensiva esta temporada los Rams, siete de ellos han sido producto del corredor Kyren Williams encontrando las diagonales, con 6 siendo por medio del ataque terrestre y uno por medio de recepción.
"Creo que ofensivamente, cuando ves a los Rams, los cambios, los movimientos, el 'dulce para el ojo' en todas direcciones, hacen un buen trabajo de insertar a sus receptores", dijo el entrenador en jefe de los Raiders Antonio Pierce. "Son activos en el juego de bloqueo y se ensucian. Obviamente, son muy explosivos en la posición de receptor abierto, tienes que tener cuidado con eso. Realmente me impresionó [Kyren] Williams, un corredor duro. Tuve que revisar su biografía porque pensé que pesaba alrededor de 250 libras por la forma en la que corre, muy físico. Defensivamente, son un grupo atlético. En las últimas semanas, han sido realmente buenos en terceras oportunidades, atacando al mariscal de campo, presionando. Esa línea defensiva probablemente está marcando el tono para ellos, y sus linebackers también son jugadores inteligentes".
Crosby sigue haciendo historia negro y plata
Con la captura compartida que tuvo junto a John Jenkins ante los Acereros, Maxx Crosby escaló a un empate en el tercer lugar en la historia de los Raiders con 57.5, misma cantidad que tuvo Anthony Smith entre sus 8 temporadas con los Malosos de 1990 a 1997. Ahora 'El Cóndor' solo persigue a Greg Townsend (107.5) y el miembro del Salon de la Fama del Futbol Americano Profesional Howie Long (84), quienes para llegar a la cantidad de capturas que ahora tiene Crosby necesitaron de 92 y 114 juegos, respectivamente. Maxx lo hizo en 88 partidos.
Oportunidades para receptores
Los Raiders anunciaron el martes que sumaron una selección de tercera ronda condicional para el draft 2025 de la NFL en un intercambio con los Jets de Nueva York por el receptor abierto Davante Adams. Su partida le abre oportunidades y mayor responsabilidad a elementos en el cuarto de receptores abiertos como Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker y DJ Turner, quienes son veteranos que en el pasado aprovechaban más espacio al tener en el campo a Adams, ahora tendrán más marcación encima, pero al mismo tiempo la cantidad de pases lanzados a ellos incrementará.
"Es para lo que juego este deporte, el estar listo para aprovechar al máximo cuando se me presenta la oportunidad", aseguró Turner. "Así ha sido mi mentalidad en la temporada y en toda mi carrera, para serte honesto".
La mañana del viernes previo al juego, Pierce dio a conocer que Jakobi Meyers no entrenaría por tercer día consecutivo esta semana y que estaría listado en el reporte de lesionados como 'en duda' por segunda semana seguida. De nueva cuenta, la arma ofensiva primordial para la ofensiva comandada por Luke Getsy apunta a ser el ala cerrada novato Brock Bowers.
"Brock obviamente ha sido un jugador especial para nosotros durante la primera parte de la temporada", declaró O'Connell. "Es otro chico que trabaja muy duro, pero que todavía es bastante tranquilo. Es un chico joven, novato, que todavía está tratando de descubrir su papel. Pero sí, su presencia en el campo es definitivamente fácil de ver. Ha hecho algunas recepciones increíbles, algunas que ni siquiera han contado, pero algunas jugadas increíbles. Y sí, vamos a confiar en él para que siga haciendo eso".
Secundaria sólida
La defensa aérea negro y plata son en la actualidad una unidad 'top 10' en la NFL con los mariscales de campo rivales promediando 186.2 yardas por partido en contra de los Raiders.
A Jakorian Bennett le han lanzado 26 pases al hombre al que ha estado cubriendo y solo ha permitido 12 recepciones, la menor cantidad entre esquineros con al menos 25 pases lanzados a ellos en la actual temporada.
Al jugador que Jack Jones ha estado marcando también le han lanzado el ovoide 26 veces, entre los cuales los oponentes de los Raiders solo han avanzado 137 yardas, la tercera menor cantidad entre esquineros con al menos 25 pases lanzados a ellos en el 2024.
As the Raiders prepare for Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, view past matchups between the two teams.
Oakland Raiders running back Charlie Smith (23) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, October 29, 1972, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Drew Buie (89) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, October 29, 1972, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Clarence Davis (28) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, December 4, 1977, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler (12) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, December 4, 1977, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler (12) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, December 4, 1977, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Oakland Raiders fullback Pete Banaszak (40) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, December 4, 1977, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Arthur Whittington (22) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 2, 1979, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tight end Raymond Chester (88) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 2, 1979, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tight end Raymond Chester (88) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 2, 1979, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders center Dave Dalby (50) and quarterback Jim Plunkett (16) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, December 18, 1982, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Greg Pruitt (34) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, December 18, 1982, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders cornerback Lester Hayes (37) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, December 18, 1982, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, December 18, 1982, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders linebacker Jeff Barnes (56) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, December 18, 1982, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders defensive tackle Mitch Willis (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium, Monday, December 23, 1985, in Anaheim, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium, Monday, December 23, 1985, in Anaheim, Calif.
Los Angeles cornerback Fulton Walker (41) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium, Monday, December 23, 1985, in Anaheim, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) during regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium, Monday, December 23, 1985, Anaheim, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) during regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium, Monday, December 23, 1985, Anaheim, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders linebacker Jerry Robinson (57) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 18, 1988, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders wide receiver James Lofton (80) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 18, 1988, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders wide receiver James Lofton (80) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 18, 1988, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders quarterback Steve Beuerlein (7) and center Bill Lewis (51) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 18, 1988, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders quarterback Steve Beuerlein (7) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 18, 1988, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown (81)during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 18, 1988, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders kicker Chris Bahr (10) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 18, 1988, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders cornerback Mike Haynes (22) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 18, 1988, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders defensive end Mike Wise (90) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 18, 1988, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders guard Reggie McElroy (77), center Don Mosebar (72) and quarterback Jay Schroeder (13) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, October 20, 1991, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders defensive end Scott Davis (70) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, October 20, 1991, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Roger Craig (22) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, October 20, 1991, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders defensive end Greg Townsend (93) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, October 20, 1991, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders defensive end Scott Davis (70) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, October 20, 1991, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders quarterback Jay Schroeder (13) and center Don Mosebar (72) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, October 20, 1991, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders defensive end/defensive tackle Howie Long (75) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, October 20, 1991, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders quarterback Jeff Hostetler (15) and center Don Mosebar (72) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium, Sunday, November 13, 1994, in Anaheim, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders safety Eddie Anderson (33) and defensive tackle Nolan Harrison (74) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, November 13, 1994, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders tackle Robert Jenkins (64) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium, Sunday, November 13, 1994, in Anaheim, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Harvey Williams (22) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, November 13, 1994, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Harvey Williams (22) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, November 13, 1994, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders quarterback Jeff Hostetler (15) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium, Sunday, November 13, 1994, in Anaheim, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tight end Rickey Dudley (83) during the regular season home game against the St. Louis Rams at Oakland-Alameda Coliseum, Sunday, September 28, 1997, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Russell Maryland (67) during the regular season home game against the St. Louis Rams at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, September 28, 1997, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive back Perry Carter (20) during the regular season home game against the St. Louis Rams at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, September 28, 1997, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Travian Smith (56) during the regular season away game against the St. Louis Rams at Edward Jones Dome, Sunday, October 13, 2002, in St. Louis, Mo.
Oakland Raiders running back Charlie Garner (25) during the regular season away game against the St. Louis Rams at The Dome at America's Center, Sunday, October 13, 2002, in St. Louis, Mo.
Oakland Raiders tackle Barry Sims (65) during the regular season away game against the St. Louis Rams at The Dome at America's Center, Sunday, October 13, 2002, in St. Louis, Mo.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Alvis Whitted (87) during the regular season home game against the St. Louis Rams at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 17, 2006, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Justin Fargas (25) during the regular season home game against the St. Louis Rams at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 17, 2006, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Aaron Brooks (2) during the regular season home game against the St. Louis Rams at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 17, 2006, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Warren Sapp (99) during the regular season home game against the St. Louis Rams at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 17, 2006, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha (21) during the regular season home game against the St. Louis Rams at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 17, 2006, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tackle Langston Walker (66) during the regular season home game against the St. Louis Rams at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 17, 2006, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Tommy Kelly (93) during the regular season home game against the St. Louis Rams at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 17, 2006, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders guard/tackle Khalif Barnes (69) and tackle Donald Penn (72) during the regular season away game against the St. Louis Rams at The Dome at America's Center, Sunday, November 30, 2014, in St. Louis, Mo.
Oakland Raiders running back Maurice Jones-Drew (21) during the regular season away game against the St. Louis Rams at The Dome at America's Center, Sunday, November 30, 2014, in St. Louis, Mo.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season away game against the St. Louis Rams at The Dome at America's Center, Sunday, November 30, 2014, in St. Louis, Mo.
nOakland Raiders wide receiver James Jones (89) during the regular season away game against the St. Louis Rams at The Dome at America's Center, Sunday, November 30, 2014, in St. Louis, Mo.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Rashaan Melvin (22) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Monday, September 10, 2018, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tight end Jared Cook (87) goes to make a catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Monday, September 10, 2018, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders corner back Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (45) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Monday, September 10, 2018, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders special teams line up during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Monday, September 10, 2018, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Gereon Conley (21) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Monday, September 10, 2018, in Oakland, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, Thursday, December 8, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, Thursday, December 8, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, Thursday, December 8, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, Thursday, December 8, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, Thursday, December 8, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) and defensive lineman Jerry Tillery Jr. (90) defend on a field goal during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, Thursday, December 8, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, Thursday, December 8, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif.
