What to Watch for in Raiders Vs. Seahawks

LONDON – If the Raiders lose to the Seahawks, their season is over. It may already be.

But for the slimmest hopes to remain for a monumental turnaround under Jon Gruden, the Raiders (1 to 4) must present a show to fans of Wembley Stadium when the NFL will be in the center of the stage in London at 18h. local time (10:00 am NST) on Sunday.

Here are three great things to watch for in the game.

Can the Raiders attack Russell Wilson?

The Seahawks quarterback is one of the NFL's best to escape the pressure and escape the pocket.

"It all starts with the quarterback," Gruden said Friday. "You have to defend the game called by Seattle, then the game created by Russell Wilson. He gets out of business. It is a magnificent game maker. Now that Doug Baldwin is healthy, (Tyler) Lockett can still burn you in creative ways, they are dangerous in attack. And they can run football. "

The Raiders have really faced only two mobile quarterbacks this season, Ryan Tannehill of Miami and Baker Mayfield of Cleveland. Tannehill managed to clear his way – he led the Dolphins with 26 rushing yards in three runs – and both quarterbacks lit up successful passes with the feet. Philip Rivers of the Chargers has even managed to get out of the pocket, which tells you everything you need to know about Oakland's ability to keep quarterbacks in the pocket.

Even they know that Sunday, even their best efforts can not prevent Wilson from staying in a confined space.

"Going against Russell is difficult. Whatever you do, he will always find these folds that will allow him to get out of the perimeter, to make the big games and that's what makes his success, "said Raiders linebacker Tahir Whitehead. "That's what really motivates their team. As a defender, you have to go with a game plan to keep it in your pocket. You can do your best, but he always finds a way. On our side, we really have to do our best. "

Wilson was sacked 18 times this season, tied for third in quarterbacks. The Raiders will be able to generate pressure, but can they make it fall or Wilson can escape? This may be the key to the Raiders' victory.

Connections galore

Many familiar faces from both teams will play in Sunday's game, including Marshawn Lynch in his first game against the team for which he played six years and won a Super Bowl in 2014.

The Raiders also hired Tom Cable as the offensive line coach. He was the assistant head coach and coach of Pete Carroll's offensive line for seven seasons before joining the Raiders this season. Two Raiders defensive linemen also played for Seattle.

"We have some former Seahawks in our squad, Bruce Irvin (2012-15), Clinton McDonald (2011-13) and certainly Marshawn Lynch, the ex-Seahawk best known of our football team," said Gruden. . . "He had a lot to do, I think, with the Super Bowl ring worn by the Seahawks. He was the heart and soul of this team. In many ways, he is the heart and soul of Raiders right now.

On the other side, the Seahawks have Ken Norton Jr. as the defensive coordinator. The Raiders 'fans will remember (with less tenderness) Norton as defense coordinator for more than two seasons before Jack Del Rio fired him after the Raiders' 33-8 loss to the USA's Patriots. Last year.

"Kenny and I go back to the time he was finishing his career in San Francisco and I stayed there for a few years," Carroll said this week. "When I went out there and found myself at USC, I came across Kenny at L.A. of the NFL network and asked him about his coaching role. So he came in as a graduate assistant when. I have been with Kenny for a long time and I have always admired his way and his way of treating people, the way he loved the game and the spirit he created. When I did not have it with me, there was a void (Norton coached the 2010-14 Seattle linebackers under Carroll), so I was delighted to find him and regain his competitiveness and toughness towards our club .

The most notable ex-Raider of the Seahawks, however, is their striker, the 18-year-old Raider, Sebastian Janikowski. Gruden chose not to bring back the southpaw as an unrestricted free agent this off season. He has scored six goals in nine on the court this season with a long 56 yard run.

"They have a kicker that I know very well," said Gruden with a big smile. Sebastian Janikowski. I can not wait to see him too. "

"It was great to be in the club," Carroll said of Janikowski. "He has been an excellent worker, a great competitor, he has already done well and has given us a lot of confidence."

Of lesser importance, the former Raiders defensive line coach, Jethro Franklin, is now assistant coach of the Seahawks' defensive line.

How much will Raiders use Beast mode?

Lynch has had 77 races this season, seventh in the NFL, but Gruden wants to feed him more.

Lynch averaged only 4.3 yards per race (23rd in the championship), but his style of racing, which has not weakened with age, is reducing defenses. Against a defense in Seattle by linebacker Bobby Wagner, Lynch's former teammate, you bet Lynch will bring warmth to London.

"He's always running with this incredible physique. He was sustainable, he practiced every day, "said Gruden. "Behind the scenes, he is one of our leaders. It is a bit misunderstood by many people, but believe me, if you coached a football team, it would be one of the first players you wanted in your team. "