The Cincinnati Bengals need to start stacking wins if they’re to get back into the playoff picture. Notching a win over the Las Vegas Raiders is the first step towards accomplishing that goal. While they share a conference, Cincinnati and Las Vegas don’t meet very often. Multiple time zones and years since their last meeting separate these franchises, and there’s much to learn about the next opponent to walk through the doors of Paycor Stadium. For all the latest about the Raiders, I turned to A to Z Sports Las Vegas beat writer Justin Churchill to discover what kind of team Cincinnati will be facing on Sunday .
JS: I don’t wish following the Raiders’ quarterback situation on anyone. For those who aren’t in the know, what in the world is going on under center? JC: The offseason started with a quarterback battle between Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew. Ultimately the team went to Minshew to start the season because of his legs, and frankly, O’Connell is a statue. But, turnover problems have plagued this team. Against a bad Los Angeles Rams team, Minshew had four turnovers alone. The team went to O’Connell and the offense looked better, but he quickly broke his thumb and is set to be out for a long period of time. They were forced to go back to Minshew who is averaging over a turnover a game this year. The Bengals should be due for one takeaway.
JS: Many Bengals fans wanted Brock Bowers to fall in the NFL Draft and land with Cincinnati, and he’s proving them right with his rookie season. How is Bowers succeeding despite his QB play? JC: He seems to always be open, and when it’s thrown his way, he catches it. I know it sounds implemented but he’s really just doing what he’s supposed to, nothing really crazy. He and running back Alexander Mattison have been the only two bright spots in terms of skill players so far this season. But, it’s worth mentioning last week the Kansas City Chiefs threw some doubles and confusing looks at Bowers last week and virtually shut him down down the stretch.
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JS: Much like the Trey Hendrickson is carrying the Bengals’ pass rush, Maxx Crosby is doing something similar for the Raiders. Are there any under-the-radar players for Las Vegas’ defense Cincinnati should be focusing on? JC: Jakorian Bennett. He’s easily the best defensive back on the Raiders right now, and not a name I’m sure many fans will know outside of Las Vegas. The second-year cornerback had a rookie season that you would expect from a day-three guy, but this year he has come alive. He is batting down almost every pass thrown his way, getting crucial third down stops, and playing great press coverage when asked to do so. I’m not going to say he will stop Ja’Marr Chase if they’re lined up across from one another, because that seems impossible these days, but he will make Chase work for it…