New York Jets vs. Oakland Raiders: What’s the Game Plan for Oakland?



The better passing attack will provide an edge in the Oakland Raiders’ Week 8 matchup with the New York Jets. Both teams field a top-five run defense playing at full strength.

Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson will play in his third game since serving a four-game suspension. Raiders defensive tackle Justin Ellis practiced the entire week and expects to play Sunday.

 

Raiders’ Pass Attack Hurdles 

Anyone who believes that wide receiver Amari Cooper doesn’t play a huge role in this game should refer to the first six games:



For Oakland, there’s no measurement for Cooper’s crucial role in every contest. Second-year wideout Seth Roberts still needs grooming. Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave awakened a potential threat in tight end Clive Walford, who had two receptions for 42 yards and a touchdown in Oakland's Week 7 37-29 win over the San Diego Chargers.

If Cooper struggles, wideout Michael Crabtree cannot carry the load alone. It’s important for the Raiders to implement another offensive threat in this week's game plan. What's the alternative? Putting all their chips in Cooper and beating Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis, as explained in a previous discussion.

  

Jets’ Pass Attack Hurdles

According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, the Jets may take the field without six-time Pro Bowl center Nick Mangold:



While Mangold’s status remains inconclusive, his presence on the field extends beyond coordinating the offensive line. Bleacher Report’s Connor Hughes coined him the "second quarterback" of the Jets offense:

Mangold is viewed as the second quarterback on the Jets line, and Ryan Fitzpatrick made reference Monday to how many times the center has "saved my butt." Not having the big man on the field to face...

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