Geno Smith vs. Brian Burns
Outside linebacker Brian Burns seems to be the biggest threat to the Raiders offense.
The three-time Pro Bowler ranks second in the league in quarterback sacks (15.0) and third in tackles for loss (20). While the Raiders have faced several dominant pass rushers this season, Burns’ ability to equally match speed with power stands out.
“Brian Burns on the edge … always been explosive his entire career,” Geno Smith said. “Can bend, long arm, has all the traits.”
While Burns and the Giants pass rush will pose a challenge for Smith, the Raiders quarterback has vastly improved in the late stretch of the season with 11 touchdown passes and a 68.3 completion percentage since Week 9.
“We’re executing better … starting with us just practicing better,” Smith said. “I think we’ve done a great job throughout the year of obviously trying to work through a bunch of different things, but overall, just the consistency with the line up front with having [Alex] Cappa in there, who’s been doing a great job. I thought Caleb [Rogers] did a great job in the previous game. And just everyone collectively has been getting better, and we’re developing together as a team.”