Raiders’ pass blocking vs. Will Anderson Jr.
Four weeks ago, the Las Vegas Raiders faced Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett, who sacked Geno Smith three times. The Texans have an edge rusher who could have a similar effect in Will Anderson Jr.
The third-year defensive end has notched 10.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles this season. He ranks in the top 10 in the league in each of those three categories. Additionally, he’s third in the league in pass rush win rate (23 percent), per ESPN Analytics.
His impact has had a direct correlation to the team’s defensive success, as the Texans have allowed the fewest points scored and least yardage to opposing offenses.
“They’re fast, physical. They play well,” Geno Smith said. “Obviously statistically they’re top of the league, number one in pretty much every category. But they play connected, they’re not very complex in terms of scheme, but they’ve guys. They’ve got guys up front, they’ve got guys in the back end and they got really good linebackers.”
It’s going to be tough sledding for the Raiders offensive line which has allowed an average of 5.5 sacks a game since Week 10. Due to injuries, there’s been some shuffling across the line over the course of the season. Left tackle Kolton Miller has returned to practice after suffering an ankle injury earlier this year, and his presence could improve the team’s pass protection if he’s able to suit up.
“As far as us, we have to get movement on the line of scrimmage,” Carroll said. “We’ve got to move the inside guys. The edge guys are going to be crashing down the whole time. We’ve got to make sure that we’re doing a good job of keeping them from owning the game, because they do sometimes, but we’ve got to get moving inside and make sure that we can make some space for our guys.”