Oakland Raiders: 5 Key matchups vs. Ravens in Week 5
By Nick Sparrow
The Oakland Raiders will play host to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. Here are five important matchups that could decide the outcome of the game.
The Oakland Raiders are looking to break a two-game losing streak as they play host to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday in Week 5. The Raiders are coming off a 16-10 loss to AFC West rival Denver Broncos in Week 4 in which they lose Derek Carr to a back injury.
Oakland’s status as a possible Super Bowl contender is now in serious question as they dropped their last two games to enter Week 5 with a 2-2 record and will now be without their franchise quarterback for multiple weeks.
Oakland desperately needs to win this game and here are five matchups that could decide the outcome.
5. Gareon Conley vs. Jeremy Maclin
Gareon Conley has been one of the most impressive young cornerbacks in the league, despite the fact that nagging injuries have limited him since being drafted in the first-round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Among rookie cornerbacks, Conley ranks second (per Pro Football Focus on Twitter) in receptions per snaps in coverage. Entering Week 5, Conley is only allowing one reception for every 14 snaps he plays in coverage. Conley will be a key piece of Oakland’s defense as he will be tasked with covering wide receiver Jeremy Maclin.
Maclin currently leads Baltimore’s receivers in targets (20), touchdowns (2), and yards per reception (11.6). Maclin also ranks second on the team in receiving yards with 116, with only veteran tight end Ben Watson having more. However, Maclin has been struggling to catch many of the balls Joe Flacco throws towards him. Maclin has a catch percentage of only 50 percent, ranked second-worst among Baltimore receivers and 160th among all players with at least six targets.
Baltimore’s pass offense isn’t good enough to overcome one of their best weapons being shut out by Conley or by his own inability to catch passes. Flacco has struggled throughout the season and will need all the help he can get from his weapons to win this game.