Trey Pipkins moves to right tackle as part of a reshuffled starting lineup that is adjusting to the season-ending loss of Rashawn Slater. Though the seventh-year pro has 57 starts on his resume, the drop off from Pro Bowl-caliber starter to utility player could prompt Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham to utilize a variety of stunts, games and blitzes to create big play opportunities for Maxx Crosby on the edges.
Ladd McConkey, Keenan Allen and Quentin Johnston vs. Raiders’ secondary
The Chargers’ running game will command significant attention, but an extremely talented group of pass catchers could create matchup problems with a pair of route runners (Allen and McConkey) and a speedster (Johnston) overwhelming opponents with their individual and collective talents. With Herbert hunting big plays off play-action, the Raiders must win their one-on-ones on the perimeter to get a win.
Do not be fooled by the Chargers’ impressive passing game stats; Jim Harbaugh’s squad wants to pummel opponents with a smash-mouth rushing attack that tests the courage, discipline and physicality of their opponents. As offensive coordinator Greg Roman builds his game plan to alleviate some of the burden on Herbert, while putting the Chargers in a position to control the game, the Raiders should expect a heavy dose of Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris to set the tone for a team that prefers an old-school approach.
Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter quickly whipped the Chargers defense into shape with a simple but effective game plan that features a mix of simulated pressures and calculated blitzes to disrupt the offense’s rhythm. He complements the illusions with various soft coverages that eliminate the deep ball and force quarterbacks to settle for “dink-and-dunk” throws and checkdowns. If the Raiders are unable to establish a credible running game against the Chargers, Minter’s creative tactics could pay off in a few game-changing turnovers on Monday night.