Penetration from the Defensive Line
The key to slowing down the Oakland Raiders’ offense is going to be getting penetration up front from the defensive line.
With Robert Ayers questionable to play for the first time since Week 2 of the NFL season, this defensive front needs him in order to disrupt Derek Carr and stop the versatile backs in the Raiders backfield.
Gerald McCoy’s recent calf issue makes his possible return even more critical as the Buccaneers simply don’t have enough talented depth to make a big impact Sunday without at least one of them playing up front.
Obviously, the Bucs’ defense will need to contain the Oakland passing game, but the defensive line can help in that aspect as well if they get good penetration throughout the game.
Stopping the NFL’s 11th ranked rushing game will be just as important to get the win this weekend, and penetration will be the key to stopping these backs before they get going as they lead the league in 20+ yard runs to this point.