The Las Vegas Raiders were defeated 20-9 by the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2. It was a stellar, if not spectacular, defensive performance. Unfortunately, the Raiders’ offense couldn’t match the effort. In Week 3, the defense will get a Washington Commanders offense that’s likely to have backup quarterback Marcus Mariota starting in place of reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels.

We’ve identified three potential X-factors for the Raiders on defense who could tip the matchup in the Silver & Black’s favor.

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Malcolm Koonce, EDGE

Raiders EDGE Malcolm Koonce has played 45% of the team’s defensive snaps in consecutive contests. The Commanders have a weakness at right tackle. Rookie Josh Conerly Jr. allowed an astounding nine pressures in Week 2. Koonce is searching for his second sack of the campaign.

Eric Stokes, CB

Eric Stokes continues to play a sizable role in Pete Carroll’s secondary. He was effective against the Chargers in Week 2, allowing just one reception on two targets. Stokes will like his chances against a backup quarterback and a Commanders receiving corps that features little depth outside of Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel.

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Elandon Roberts, LB

Veteran linebacker Elandon Roberts played a significant role against the Chargers after being limited by an elbow injury in Week 1. Roberts totaled five tackles and two run stuffs, per ESPN Analytics. This weekend, the Commanders are handing the keys to their backfield to rookie running back Bill Croskey-Merritt.

This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: 3 Raiders X-factors on defense vs. Commanders in Week 3