The Las Vegas Raiders secured a 38-33 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday, but the win highlighted significant concerns for their upcoming game against the San Francisco 49ers. Despite trailing at times, the Raiders managed to pull off the win, a skill they are still developing. However, the victory was aided by the Jets' inexplicable decision to abandon their effective rushing attack in the second half.
After amassing 140 rushing yards in the first half against the Raiders, the Jets ran the ball just four times in the second. This drastic shift allowed the Raiders to capitalize, but defensive coordinator Rob Leonard acknowledged that the team has "a lot we have to fix." The Raiders' run defense ranks as the second worst in the NFL, surrendering 5.1 yards per carry, which is the lowest in the league.
This vulnerability is expected to be exploited by the 49ers and head coach Kyle Shanahan, who is known for his strategic offensive schemes. Shanahan will likely identify the Raiders' struggles against the run and continue to test them. The 49ers' offense utilizes motion and run-action plays to exploit defensive hesitations and overreactions, creating opportunities for big plays. The Raiders' secondary, still developing, faces the challenge of balancing aggressive responses with the risk of leaving space vulnerable.
Cornerback Jermod McCoy, returning from a serious knee injury, is working to regain his rhythm while navigating the transition to the NFL. While he has shown flashes of talent, consistency remains a key focus for the young player, especially with the added pressure of potentially needing to provide run support. The Raiders' ability to adapt and consistently stop the run against a disciplined and talented 49ers team will be a crucial determinant of their success.