Shedeur Sanders dominated the draft discourse around the Las Vegas Raiders, and he finally gets to make a name for himself at Allegiant Stadium…as an opponent.
On Sunday, the Raiders hope to break their four-game losing streak against another downtrodden team in the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
A battle between two two-win teams would usually struggle to attract attention, but fate has made this game far more intriguing. After Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel was ruled out with a concussion, it was reported that Sanders would be earning his first NFL start after months of anticipation. Ironically enough, Sanders was linked to the Raiders the most throughout the pre-draft process in the spring, so this is the time for the Silver and Black to either prove they made the right choice, or the dreadfully wrong one.
Here are a few things the Raiders will have to pay attention to throughout the matchup.
Frustrate the rookie
Sanders got his first taste of NFL action last week against the Baltimore Ravens in relief of Gabriel, and it did not work out particularly well.
He completed only four of his 16 passes against the Ravens, suggesting that the flaws that scared teams away from him are still in play. That is something the Raiders have to take advantage of, and they did so earlier this season against the Tennessee Titans and Cam Ward. Anything the Raiders can do to make Sanders uncomfortable in this matchup, the defense will have to be up for the task.
Defensive struggle
Do not be surprised if the early excitement surrounding this game gives way to a defensive slog.
The Raiders do not come into this matchup with an offense putting up points at will, with quarterback Geno Smith one of only two starting quarterbacks with more interceptions (13) than touchdowns (12). Few weapons outside of Brock Bowers have truly stood out, and the offensive line’s struggles could be an issue with Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward on the other side. With neither offense lighting the world on fire, do not be surprised if this turns into an affair where the first team to hit double-digit points wins.
Running men
While Sanders will draw the immediate attention, the other rookie in Cleveland’s backfield should warrant a greater focus.
Second-round rookie Quinshon Judkins has made an impact for the Browns early on, running for 620 yards and five touchdowns. Both marks do not put Judkins in the elite category, but they are above sixth overall pick Ashton Jeanty (554 yards and four touchdowns), who has languished due to the Raiders’ systemic issues on offense. Both running backs will be looking for statement games, and the one that is able to get there could be a pivotal player in this matchup.
