Oakland Raiders: No Excuse To Lose To Bears This Week

By Jonathan George | Oct 2, 2015

After last week’s road victory against the Cleveland Browns, the Oakland Raiders are riding high with confidence and sitting at a 2-1 record. They realize that with a lot of question marks in the AFC West amongst their rivals, they have a real shot in contending for a playoff spot in 2015. Part of doing that, however, is beating the teams you have no business in losing to. And while that doesn’t happen much in the NFL, the Raiders week 4 opponent definitely qualifies.

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Oakland takes on a Bears team in Chicago this week that is seemingly already looking toward next year due to a lackluster first 3 weeks. The Bears have started out 0-3, and have looked so bad that their management thought it wise to look to trade some of their key players in Jared Allen and Jonathan Bostic after their shutout loss to Seattle. They have injury problems at other key areas and are ranked last in many important offensive and defensive categories.

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Let’s make it absolutely clear: The Raiders should not, and cannot, lose to the Bears.

While the Raiders have their own weaknesses, it is clear that this week those weaknesses should not be threatened by a weak Bears unit. Oakland has shown that it has its struggles both in rushing the passer and in pass coverage, as it ranks 19th and 29th overall respectively in those categories per ESPN statistics. Luckily, however, they will play a team that ranks 31st in the league in both passing yards (162.3 YPG) and points for (15.3 PPG).

Injuries have already plagued the Bears as well. Starting quarterback Jay Cutler, a guy known for his high turnover rate, is iffy at best to play after dealing with a hamstring issue for weeks. And if the Raiders face Jimmy Clausen they shouldn’t be scared he is going to beat them with his arm; after last weeks 9 punts in 9 possessions performance by the Bears O, it’s a safe bet Clausen will be more of a “just don’t lose the game” quarterback then a “win it with his arm” guy.

Chicago’s starting left tackle Jermon Bushrod has been ruled out for the game. This should only bolster the chances of Oakland repeating or surpassing its 5 sack performance against the Browns last week.

And Friday, ESPN’s Jeff Dickerson reported that Bears star wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey will not play Sunday against the Raiders. That means the leading “receivers” going into the game for the Bears will be tight end Martellus Bennett and running back Matt Forte. Two great players to be sure, but not the guys anyone thinks of as deep threats in the passing game.

Let’s make it absolutely clear: The Raiders should not, and cannot, lose to the Bears.

Yes the Bears are still decent at rushing the ball, ranking 8th overall in the NFL after three weeks and averaging 4.5 YPC. But that plays into one of the strengths of the Raiders; Oakland is just outside the top 10 in rushing defense at 11 overall. They are holding opposing rushers to less than 4 YPC and teams to less than 100 YPG on average this year.

And the Oakland offense? Let’s just say that Raiders 8th overall ranked unit, including an 8th ranked passing attack, should absolutely shred a Chicago defense that is dead last in the NFL in points against due to them giving up 35 PPG (stats courtesy of ESPN Statistics). No matter how they game plan it, the Raiders should score 25-30 points versus the Bears.

So what do all these numbers really mean this Sunday? Nothing if the Raiders don’t come out and execute the way they have been the last 2 weeks. But it is clear that Oakland, with games coming up against division rival Denver and San Diego, along with a bye sandwiched in between them, cannot lose to Chicago. It would be a momentum crusher and an absolute upset, even with the game being in Chicago.

The Raiders must leave Solider Field 3-1, and there is no excuse for them not to.

Next: Raiders Offense Is Starting To Shine

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