If the Raiders hope to continue their late-season march to the playoffs, they must find a way to stop the Indianapolis Colts. More importantly, stopping the Colts’ offense cold will be quite the task for the Vegas defense. Granted, Gus Bradley’s defense looks on quite the roll, limiting three of their last four opponents to under twenty points. However, the Raiders run into quite the obstacle this weekend. Colts’ running back Jonathan Taylor stands in the way of the Las Vegas Raiders making the playoffs. Without hyperbole, he represents an enormous problem.
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New Age Power
Now, five-foot-ten and 226 pounds doesn’t really invoke images of Jerome Bettis, but Taylor uses that sturdy frame to bounce off tacklers. Now, while he does possess the power to outright truck every tackler, Taylor appreciates the ability of a sound stiff arm or shoulder to gain separation. His 757 yards after contact paint the picture of a back that will drag a defender for those extra yards. The Raiders know that weak arm tackles and flailing attempts will not suffice. If Taylor eludes the front seven, the Raiders’ secondary will need to make the play.
Workhorse
The Colts know their playoff push hinges on a steady diet of Johnathan Taylor. In their last three games, all wins, Taylor averaged twenty-nine carries. Nothing fancy or intricate, just pounding the ball. The Raiders need to expect a heavy workload and their defensive line tested. Granted, Maxx Crosby and Yannick Ngakoue thrive versus the pass. However, how will Taylor’s behind an elite offensive line wear them down?
Approach
Stopping Jonathan Taylor remains the biggest priority for the Raiders. First, the defense must stay gap-disciplined. The defensive line, in particular, can’t veer too far afield. Overpursuit will hurt them. Next, the linebacker must fill. Denzel Perryman, by far the team’s best linebacker needs to remain active, slipping blocks and making plays. Also, the secondary must shed blocks and provide run support. While the term ” selling out to stop the run” feels overused, it fits. If Jonathan Taylor doesn’t beat the Raiders, Carson Wentz won’t. The Colts have only thrown for more than three hundred yards once. As a result, the Raiders must attack the run and trust their secondary to handle the past. Jonathan Taylor presents an immediate headache for the Raiders.