Raiders desperate for a post-bye reset against the Jaguars

After a couple weeks of stewing over a first half that did not go their way, the Las Vegas Raiders hope that the bye week did them some good.

On Sunday, the Raiders have an opportunity to get themselves back in the win column when they take on the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.

Sitting at 4-3, the Jacksonville Jaguars have been threatening so far this season, pushing for a playoff spot in what appears to be a loaded AFC. However, things have unraveled as of late in Duval, with two straight losses dampening some early-season excitement. Both teams are coming in off of their bye, so they will be desperate to get back to the action with some momentum.

Here are a few things that the Raiders will have to be prepared for in their first game after a week’s rest.

Limit the mistakes

Geno Smith taking on the Jaguars defense feels like a recipe for disaster once the numbers come into the picture.

The Jaguars have forced the second-most turnovers in the NFL with 14, including 10 interceptions. Smith is no longer the interception leader this season (that dubious distinction belongs to Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins), but the penchant for turning the ball over at inopportune times could be amplified against what has been a playmaking unit for Jacksonville. The message to the offense for this game has to be to keep things simple and not to take unnecessary risks, maximizing every drive to get an optimal result.

Wreck the gameplan

For reasons both in and out of their control, the Raiders defense has to be ready for a banner day.

The recent injury to two-way phenom Travis Hunter is a devastating blow for the Jaguars, and the offense has had some difficulties at points this season getting going. With Maxx Crosby leading the charge and other players having decent years so far, the Raiders have the pieces necessary to keep the Jaguars off balance and challenge them at key moments. Should the Raiders defense be able to keep Trevor Lawrence and company from blowing the game open, they will be in good shape.

Get Tucker ready

Tre Tucker needed a big season to keep his future secure, and he has responded by being one of the few bright spots over the first half of the season.

Tucker has paced the Raiders with 389 yards and four touchdowns so far, quickly developing a rapport with Smith. The breakout has been needed for the offense, as Brock Bowers has not been one hundred percent since Week One, Jakobi Meyers could be traded before the deadline on Tuesday, and rookies Dont’e Thornton Jr. and Jack Bech have struggled to get fully acclimated. Tucker could very well end up as the undisputed top receiver for the Raiders soon, and getting him ready for that role should be a priority moving forward.