Presented by

Versus: Raiders' young defenders tasked with their toughest matchups to date

Sep 17, 2025 at 04:56 PM

Levi Edwards

Digital Team Reporter

Following their loss last Monday, the Raiders march on to the East Coast to face the Washington Commanders.

Like the Raiders, the Commanders are also coming off a a Week 2 loss, falling 27-18 to the Green Bay Packers. Both teams also have injury concerns heading into the contest that could affect the outcome. Therefore, getting back under the win column is of high importance for these two locker rooms in order to regain momentum moving forward.

Here are three matchups to follow for Sunday's game at Northwest Stadium.

Raiders pass rush vs. Commanders quarterback room

There's still uncertainty whether the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels will play after suffering a knee sprain against the Packers. Wednesday morning, Commanders Head Coach Dan Quinn said he doesn't expect Daniels to practice until Friday at the earliest.

Nevertheless, Pete Carroll is preparing his defense for both Daniels and Marcus Mariota.

"They might not practice him until later in the week, but we're going to count him going," Carroll said. "But we've already introduced about Marcus playing in place of him. We have a lot of background about Marcus on the staff and all that, so we know what his capabilities are, we think, and so we're playing for both guys, but primarily for Jayden."

Whether it's Daniels or Mariota, both quarterbacks have a history of successfully running the ball. Daniels rushed for nearly 900 yards last season with six touchdowns on the ground. Mariota has rushed for 2,156 yards and 18 touchdowns within his 10-year career.

Related Links

Containing the quarterback will be at the forefront for the Raiders defensive line that is led by Maxx Crosby, who has accumulated two quarterback hits and four quarterback pressures this season.

The Raiders have also received great production from second-year defensive tackle Jonah Laulu, who leads the team in sacks (three), tackles for loss (three) and is tied with Crosby for the team lead in quarterback pressures.

"He's just blossomed," Carroll said of Laulu. "He had enough plays on film coming off of last year, like I probably said to you guys, that he caught my eye like a potential guy that might really be a factor, and so I was really excited about him in the offseason. He did everything right, and he's played well. He's done a nice job. He's been very active, been really consistent with his play. So, he's done nothing but positive things."

Kyu Blu Kelly vs. Deebo Samuel Sr.

Early in the season, Kyu Blu Kelly has delivered when his number has been called upon.

He's tied for the team lead in pass deflections (two) and is second on the team in solo tackles (nine). When Kelly was targeted in coverage against Justin Herbert, the Chargers quarterback went 1-of-4 for four yards.

"Kyu Blu continues to do really good things, and so I'm excited about his progress," Carroll said. "I mean, it's only the first couple games he's ever started, so he's brand new out there, but he's handling it."

Kelly will face his biggest challenge to date this weekend in the form of All-Pro receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. Through two games, Samuel is leading the Commanders with 121 receiving yards and 14 catches. The Commanders aren't afraid to use him in the rushing attack as well, in similar fashion to how the San Francisco 49ers did for six seasons. On Samuel's lone rushing attempt this season, he ran for a 19-yard touchdown.

Raiders rushing attack vs. Bobby Wagner

The Raiders have been having early issues getting their run game going, and it won't get any easier facing Bobby Wagner.

In his 14th NFL season, the 35-year-old linebacker is still as effective as he was under Pete Carroll with the Seattle Seahawks. Wagner currently leads the Commanders in total tackles (21) and solo tackles (eight).

"He's a Hall of Fame guy, the first shot that you would get, I'm sure," Carroll said of his former player. "Thousands of tackles, and again, he's off to a great start. He's got over 20 tackles in the first two games already. He always averages about 10 tackles or more game. And so, he's doing it again. We had a great relationship. We had a lot of fun together. We won a lot of games and did a lot of great stuff. I watched him kind of emerge as a leader. ... I think we're going to try to block the heck out of him, but we're counting on that he's going to be really good on this day, and we're going to have to be better."

Despite drafting talented running back Ashton Jeanty with their first round pick this offseason, the Raiders running game has struggled. The unit is averaging 2.9 yards a carry with eight rushing first downs, both the second fewest in the league this season. Getting things going on the ground seems imperative for this contest.

"I think we definitely could have been a little more disciplined, starting with myself," Jeanty said, reflecting on Week 2. "Just little things going to proper communication on plays, going the right way. Just little things that kind of messed up our momentum. We didn't play our best. I mean, we really beat ourselves, is what I feel like. And then, obviously, we've got to just continue to get better in the run game. And that starts with me."

"We want to be able to go toe-to-toe with anybody. ... This is a great defense," he added. "We have to be physical and be tough. We've just got to take on that challenge and be ready for them. And like you said, guys like Bobby Wagner, Frankie Luvu, they're great players. So, we're ready to step up."

From our partner, BetMGM

Visit the BetMGM online sportsbook for Raiders-Commanders odds and all NFL Week 3 odds. You can also view updated futures, including Raiders AFC West odds, team playoff odds, and NFL MVP odds.

If you don't have a sportsbook account, check sportsbook promos for a potential welcome offer or BetMGM Refer A Friend bonus.

Get the latest news, sports betting previews, injury updates and more for the Las Vegas Raiders.

21+ only. NV Only. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. mgmresorts.com/gamesense.

1 / 50

Las Vegas Raiders safety Tristin McCollum (27) is introduced onto the field before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.