New FSM Game Preview: Raiders Vs Giants - Week 9

Photo Credit: Dustin Bradford/Getty Images

FSM Game Preview: Raiders vs Giants – Week 9

After an impressive victory over the Eagles right before their bye week, the Las Vegas Raiders head to the Big Apple to take on the New York Giants.

The Las Vegas Raiders return from their bye week going on the road to battle the New York Giants at MetLife stadium.

Looking to keep the momentum in their favor and mark their third win in a row, the Raiders will be doing so without their speedy wide receiver Henry Ruggs III who was released by the team Tuesday evening after he was arrested and charged with DUI. Ruggs and a passenger hit another car early Tuesday morning.

Unfortunately, 23-year Tina Tintor died as a result of the accident. Ruggs was arrested Tuesday afternoon and charged with one count of a DUI resulting in substantial bodily harm and one count of reckless driving.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Eric Bauman said in court Wednesday that Ruggs was traveling at 156 MPH before hitting the car. His speed was 127 MPH when the airbags deployed. Reportedly, Ruggs blood-alcohol level was .161, which is more than twice the legal limit, and authorities also found a loaded gun in the car.

With the team already having to adjust to injuries on the offensive line and then replacing head coach Jon Gruden, this is yet another obstacle the Raiders have to overcome in a season that has seen much improvement on the field but a lot of missteps off it. Perhaps the Raiders can use this road trip in the way they used it against the Denver Broncos after Coach Gruden stepped down? The team banned together and put together one of their more impressive showings on the field. Maybe the Raiders can do the same on Sunday as they take on the Giants, who have been an up and down team themselves all year.

Can the Raiders make it three in a row after dealing with yet another unnecessary distraction?

Missing their top wide receiver and deep threat, the Raiders will now turn to players such as Bryan Edwards and Zay Jones to step up and fill in the void left by Ruggs. Standouts Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow will have to carry a more significant load on the field, and don’t be surprised to see Foster Moreau, Josh Jacobs, and Kenyan Drake see their roles in the passing game expanded.

NFL MVP candidate Derek Carr may be without one of his best weapons, but Carr has always made it a habit to include as many targets as he can. This keeps defenses guessing where he’s going with the ball, but it also helps keep players in the swing of things, so when their number gets called, they are ready to step up and deliver.

The Silver and Black will look to keep making strides in their run game as the offensive line gets better each week with more consistency. Waller is dynamic, but he has to be used better. Waller hasn’t been getting the ball as much as of late. The All-Pro tight end hasn’t gone for over 100 yards receiving since Week 1 and over 60 yards since Week 2. Getting one of the best players in the NFL the ball is of utmost importance for the Raiders if they want to continue winning.

Playing on different coasts traditionally doesn’t go so well for the road team, so the Raiders will need to strap in and keep that same energy they’ve shown the past two games. A well-balanced attack and an expanded role for some in the passing game should help keep this team in the playoff hunt. But more importantly, help them come together in these trying times and stay focused on the task at hand.

Can the Raiders defense have another great showing?

The Raiders defense has stepped up all season and shown their improvements going from liability to now a strength.

The defense will have an interesting matchup as the Giants have a duel threat quarterback in Daniel Jones who leads the team in rushing. A quarterback who can run is always a problem for defenses, so the Raiders have to tune in and stay alert. Jones has shown several times throughout his career that if he has room to run, he’s taking it, and it could be all the way to the house. With star running back Saquon Barkley dealing with his injury issues, the Raiders have to be disciplined in their attack and aware if Jones takes off to extend the drive.

As the defensive line has shown all year that they can be a disruptive force in the backfield, it will be up to the linebackers to ensure they don’t allow the big runs. Led up front by Maxx Crosby, if the Raiders can gain some sacks and keep Jones contained in the pocket, then they will find themselves in a better position more often than not to succeed.

The secondary will have their work cut out for them as well. The Giants’ passing game is similar to that of the Raiders; spread the ball around, use different targets, and have an explosive play or two. Rookie wideout Kadarius Toney, who is still a big-play threat despite not finding the end zone on the season yet, leads the G-Men in receptions. The Raiders have to make sure not to allow Toney to have too much room in open space as his quickness and speed can gut a defense for big chunks of yards at a time.

The backend of the defense has been pretty solid all season in not giving up big plays and being better at tackling the ball carrier. Johnathan Abram has come down repeatedly to lower the boom around the line of scrimmage. In addition, the Raiders’ young cornerbacks, Amik Robertson and Brandon Facyson have stepped up after receiving more playing time in the wake of injuries to Mullen and Arnette. Overall, the Raiders’ defense has been making leaps and bounds all season and will need to do so again to create turnovers, hopefully.

“Just Win Baby”

The Raiders and Giants play Sunday at 10 am at MetLife Stadium and can be seen on CBS.

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-Kalani Lua – Franchise Sports Media

Follow Kalani on Twitter @klua11

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