At 1-4, the Las Vegas Raiders must find positive momentum, or they could be on track for another four-win season. It starts with Sunday’s matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
Head coach Pete Carroll admitted this week that the turnaround will take longer than expected, and he’s preached patience.
If Carroll truly believes that, he needs to allow more rookies and developmental players to take prominent roles for the sake of the team’s future.
One rookie in particular could see a promotion on defense after a solid showing last week.
In the matchup against the Titans, two key starters could capitalize on weaknesses on both sides of the ball.
Here are three predictions for Week 6.
Darien Porter Starts Over Kyu Blu Kelly at No. 2 Cornerback Spot
The Raiders must reopen the competition on the boundary in the secondary. Carroll entered the season intending to rotate players opposite Eric Stokes, but Kyu Blu Kelly played 100% of the snaps in weeks 1, 4 and 5.
In the season opener against the New England Patriots, Kelly played well aside from a controversial pass interference call. But over the last few weeks, opposing quarterbacks have picked on him. He’s giving up about 69 receiving yards per game and 17 yards per reception, per Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Because Stokes missed the previous game with a knee sprain, the Raiders didn’t have the depth to bench Kelly, who gave up 90 yards on just four receptions, per PFF.
On Wednesday, Stokes went through a limited practice, which may signal he’ll return Sunday. If so, Darien Porter should line up opposite him instead of Kelly.
Porter served in a backup role until last week, when he played 100% of the defensive snaps. In that outing, the Indianapolis Colts targeted him three times, and he allowed one reception for nine yards, per PFF.
While Porter’s sample size is too small to make a strong judgment about his development, the coaching staff must allow him to gain experience. He possesses far more upside than Kelly. The Raiders can see what the third-round rookie can do against the Titans’ 32nd-ranked passing attack.
Maxx Crosby Records Two Sacks
Even though Maxx Crosby is tied with Myles Garrett for a league-leading eight tackles for loss and drops into coverage more than many expected, critics have pointed to his low sack count (two) as reason to be disappointed in his play through five weeks.
Crosby has done a bit of everything this season. He’s forced fumbles, tipped several passes at the line of scrimmage and logged his first career interception. The four-time Pro Bowler is also tied for 17th in pressures with 10 and is on pace to top his career high in pass breakups, logging five in just as many games.
For a player who constantly battles double- and triple-teams, his overall numbers are still impressive, though he’s missing a game-wrecking multi-sack performance.
Crosby can check that box Sunday.
Titans right tackle JC Latham sat out the last four weeks with a hip injury. On Wednesday, he returned to practice, but the second-year offensive tackle would face a tough challenge lining up across from Crosby in his first game back.
Whether Latham plays this weekend or not, Crosby can wreak havoc on Tennessee’s offensive line. Cam Ward has taken 19 sacks, the most in the league. He’ll likely take a few more, with Crosby logging at least two of them.
Ashton Jeanty Shines in Another 100-Yard Rushing Performance
In Week 4 against the Chicago Bears, Ashton Jeanty logged 21 carries for 138 yards and a touchdown. He also caught two passes for 17 yards and two touchdowns.
In the Raiders’ 40-6 loss to the Colts, Jeanty racked up 109 scrimmage yards. Over the past two weeks, offensive coordinator Chip Kelly has found ways to get the ball in the rookie’s hands, which bodes well for his momentum despite the offensive ineptitude, particularly in the passing game.
Like the Bears’ 31st-ranked run defense, the Titans have struggled to stop ball carriers, giving up the third-most yards on the ground and the most rushing touchdowns.
Even with the loss of left tackle Kolton Miller to an ankle injury, Jeanty should have room to run against the Titans at home. Tennessee has allowed at least 129 rushing yards in every game this season.
The Raiders can lean on their ground attack to lessen the probability that Geno Smith turns the ball over multiple times and ride Jeanty to their second win of the season.
Maurice Moton covers the Raiders for Sportsnaut. You can follow him on Twitter at @MoeMoton.
