Ravens (2-2) at Raiders (2-2)
When: 1:05 p.m. TV/Radio: 5#z / 95.7, 98.5, 102.9 Spotlight on: Seth Roberts. Oakland’s third-year receiver has had some of his best games against the Ravens. He caught a game-winning touchdown pass in the final minutes of the fourth quarter during his rookie season in 2015, then came back to score the Raiders’ first touchdown in a 28-27 win last season. Opponents have done a good job shutting down Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree in recent weeks, so Roberts could very well be the X factor in the passing game. Injury notes: Raiders — QB Derek Carr (back), CB Gareon Conley (shin), CB David Amerson (concussion), RG Gabe Jackson (foot) and RB DeAndre Washington (hamstring) are questionable. Ravens — WR Jeremy Maclin (hand), DB Anthony Levine Sr. (thigh), CB Jimmy Smith (Achilles tendon), TE Benjamin Watson (calf) and DB Ladarius Webb (thigh) are questionable; CB Jaylen Hill (thigh) is doubtful; DT Brandon Williams (foot) and TE Maxx Williams (ankle) are out.
THE BIG 3
The last time the Raiders played at the Coliseum, it turned into a homecoming party for Marshawn Lynch. Since then, Lynch and the running game have been quiet, averaging 2 yards a carry in the previous two weeks. With the situation at quarterback, Oakland’s best bet might be to rely heavily on the ground game early against a Ravens defense that has been suspect against the run.
The Ravens signed former Raiders starting right tackle Austin Howard as a free agent in the offseason, which has helped solidify the team’s offensive line. Baltimore’s QBs have been sacked just nine times this season. The Raiders will have to change that in order to be successful and may look to safety Karl Joseph to do it, as he’s had good success blitzing off the edge this season.
Speaking of offensive lines, Oakland’s front five has had its issues with pass protection in recent weeks, and the situation could get tougher if right guard Gabe Jackson is unable to play. Vadal Alexander practiced at guard during the week after spending much of the preseason at right tackle, but the team is holding out hope that Jackson will play and continue his streak of 41 starts.