Raiders hope to get Jimmy Garoppolo back for game vs. Lions
In their Monday night clash in Detroit, both clubs want to move over their negative experiences from the previous week. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the NFC North-leading Lions 38–6. The Chicago Bears, starting with backup quarterback Tyson Bagent, thrashed the Las Vegas Raiders 30–12
Lions coach Dan Campbell said the Raiders feel “much like we feel. What they just went through last week is not indicative of who this team is. This is a dangerous team.” Detroit (5-2) heard nationwide-praise after taking control of its division with road wins over defending Supel Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs as well as the Green Bay Packers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Lions’ visit to Baltimore turned into a debacle, though, as the Ravens rolled for touchdowns on their first four drives. “We’ve got to bounce back, but we will,” Campbell said. “We’ll be ready to go.” Detroit played without power back David Montgomery last week due to a rib injury. Rookie Jahmyr Gibbs, the 12th overall pick in the 2023 draft, amassed 126 total yards in Montgomery’s absence and scored the Lions’ lone touchdown.
“I saw an improving player,” Campbell said. “He took a step up and that’s all you can ask for — growth.” Lions quarterback Jared Goff threw for 284 yards, but most of it came on short completions after the team fell way behind. He didn’t toss a touchdown pass for the first time this season.
In addition, Goff had a season-high five sacks. Maxx Crosby, who has 6 1/2 sacks after recording a career-high 12 1/2 sacks the previous season, will now lead a pass rush against him. What does he struggle with? About Crosby, Campbell remarked, “I would start there.” “I’m not sure what that may be. He is an expert in his field.”
Chicago limited the Raiders (3-4) to 235 yards of total offense while starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in place due to a back issue. On Thursday, Garoppolo went back to practice. The offensive line in Las Vegas has stagnated even with Garoppolo. The Raiders are now third in the NFL with an average of just 16 points per game.
When asked if there was a need for more aggressive play-calling, Josh McDaniels, the coach of Las Vegas, said, “There are definitely elements to that.” You can identify several areas where we could improve upon our current practices. We don’t necessarily need to do things differently. I believe that many small things need to be done a little bit better.” The quarterbacks for the Raiders have completed less throws for touchdowns (8) by four interceptions (12). Aidan Hutchinson, a game-changing defensive lineman who has 4 1/2 sacks but
none in the last two games, will take on Las Vegas on Monday.
“He really makes a lot of plays if you ever stop playing before the play is over,” McDaniels stated. Garoppolo would benefit from getting the running game rolling. Josh Jacobs was restricted to 347 running yards and 2.9 yards per carry this season after leading the league with 1,653 rushing yards and an average of 4.9 yards per carry the previous season.
After catching an NFL-high 14 touchdown passes in his first season with the Raiders in 2022, star receiver Davante Adams has only caught three this season. For the last four games, Adams has been held to 75 or less receiving yards and has not caught a touchdown ball. Montgomery was one of the Lions who skipped practice on Thursday, along with offensive lineman Frank Ragnow (toe, calf) and Jonah Jackson (ankle). Thursday’s practice in Las Vegas was skipped by placekicker Daniel Carlson (groin), linebacker Divine Deablo (ankle), and cornerback Marcus Peters (back).
About The Author
Leave a Reply