Ahead of the Seahawks’ Week 10 matchup with the Raiders, Carter Landis said Las Vegas has kept its coaching energy up despite a 4-5 start and expects its defence to create opportunities for rookie No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza.
The Story
The Seattle Seahawks are preparing for their Week 10 game against the Las Vegas Raiders, with the Raiders set to turn to No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza for his first career NFL start.
In a conversation tied to the matchup, Las Vegas Raiders On SI contributor Carter Landis said head coach Klint Kubiak has managed to maintain energy in the building even after a four-game losing streak. Landis said the Raiders are 4-5 after losing to the San Francisco 49ers, adding that there have been “impressive moments from young players” while also acknowledging “some gaffes” expected with a first-year head coach.
Landis also weighed in on Mendoza taking over at quarterback. He said the Raiders were “truthfully surprised” that John Spytek took a different path than the plan discussed this offseason, describing that plan as having Kirk Cousins start until Mendoza was ready. Landis said the move appears to be sooner than expected and argued the Raiders wouldn’t make it unless they believed Mendoza was prepared, noting Mendoza has learned behind Cousins but will face “two tough defenses to start his career.”
When asked what has stood out most about the Raiders this season, Landis pointed to pass protection by the offensive line. He said the group has been “absolutely awesome in pass-protection,” with the Raiders having allowed 11 sacks this season—tied for the second-fewest in the NFL. Landis said guard Jackson Powers-Johnson and DJ Glaze have elevated their play under experienced offensive line coach Rick Dennison.
Landis said the main reason the Raiders would beat the Seahawks would be defensive execution—specifically, taking advantage of opportunities and creating short fields for the offense. He said early-season victories came from the defence creating advantages, and added that in recent losses the Raiders “haven’t done that much.” Landis said young defenders such as Treydan Stukes and Hezekiah Masses will need to take the ball away and create opportunities, while warning that if the opponent’s quarterback is allowed to settle in, it could lead to another high-scoring outcome.
As for his game score prediction, Landis forecast a Seahawks struggle on offense meeting a Raiders defence that can capitalize, picking Seattle 31, Las Vegas 20.
← More stories