Las Vegas Raiders: 3 key matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2
By Brad Weiss
The Las Vegas Raiders will have to execute a solid game plan to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road, and that includes winning some key matchups.
If the Las Vegas Raiders want to be considered a playoff contender this season, they have to be able to beat the teams who went to the playoffs last year, like they did in Week 1. After beating the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night, the Raiders will turn their attention to the Pittsburgh Steelers on a short week, another team that made the playoffs last season.
In order for them to go east and pull off the victory, they will have to execute their game plan, and that includes winning some crucial matchups.
Las Vegas Raiders: 3 key matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2
Alex Leatherwood/Kolton Miller vs. T.J. Watt
The Steelers do a great job getting pressure, whether it is from the interior, utilizing Cameron Heyward, or on the edges, where T.J. Watt makes his money. Last week, we saw rookie Alex Leatherwood play well in his NFL regular season debut, albeit for a few hiccups, but he is going to be going up against a much tougher opponent in Week 2.
Watt is going to be all over the field, so both Leatherwood, and star left tackle Kolton Miller will get their shots at blocking him. He is going to win some battles, but as long as he does not win the war against this offensive line, the Raiders should be in good shape in terms of keeping Derek Carr upright.