Raiders Defense Can Bounce Back Vs. Steelers Offense

The struggling Pittsburgh Steelers offense is a perfect opportunity for the Las Vegas Raiders to bounce back from a rough performance.

The Las Vegas Raiders started off the season with an impressive defensive performance on the road against the Denver Broncos. They allowed only 16 points and the Broncos passed for only for 4.6 yards per attempt. The Silver and Black also allowed only 94 yards rushing.

Week 1 was a good outing, but Week 2 was a different story.

The Raiders traveled to New York to take on the Buffalo Bills, and the Bills got whatever they wanted on the Raiders’ defense. The Raiders gave up 38 points, allowing 450 yards of total offense. They allowed the Bills to convert on seven of their 13 third downs, and three of their four fourth downs.

The Raiders’ defense has a chance to recharg. They host the Pittsburgh Steelers in their home opener at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday Night Football. The Steelers have been one of the worst offensive teams in the NFL through the first two games of the season.

The Steelers have only two offensive touchdowns through two games, a short Kenny Pickett pass to tight end Pat Freiermuth and a long Pickett throw to wide receiver George Pickens. It is an understatement to say their offense is struggling.

The Steelers are last in the NFL in Expected Points Added per play at minus-0.334, meaning it is more expected than not that the Steelers will produce a negative play on offense. For reference, the Raiders’ offense is at 0.005, which ranks 13th in the NFL.

So why is the Steelers’ offense struggling? It could be because they have not been able to get the running game going. It could also be because Pickett is struggling, ranking last in the NFL in quarterback rating at just 19.9.

Whatever the reasons might be, this game is an opportunity for the Raiders’ defense to have a bounce-back game. The Steelers’ offensive line has left something to be desired this season, a chance for defensive end Maxx Crosby and the Silver and Black's defensive line to generate pressure and disrupt Pickett’s rhythm.

The Steelers’ top receiver is Pickens, and while he is talented, he is still inexperienced. This can play into a veteran cornerback like Marcus Peters’ favor, as he can disrupt his flow and take him out of the game plan, as he has done to receivers for years.

The Raiders are looking to avoid dropping their second straight game, and they have a golden opportunity for their defense to get back on track against a struggling Steelers’ offense.

The Silver and Black return home to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to play the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Sept. 24, at 8:20 p.m. EDT/5:20 p.m. PDT.

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