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The Opposing View: An Insider's Look At The Seahawks' Week 12 Opponent, The Las Vegas Raiders

Five questions from Seahawks.com about this week’s opponent; five answers from Raiders digital team reporter Levi Edwards.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) and wide receiver Davante Adams (17) talk during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Oct 23, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) and wide receiver Davante Adams (17) talk during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Oct 23, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

The Seahawks return from their bye week to host the Las Vegas Raiders, who are hoping to build off of a dramatic overtime win over the Broncos on Sunday. To get ready for this week's game, we reached out to Raiders digital team reporter Levi Edwards with five questions about this week's opponent.

Expectations were obviously higher than a 3-7 start to the season for the Raiders, what has gone wrong for them to end up where they are up to this point? Is it as simple as an inability to close out close games or is there more to it?

Edwards: I truly believe it is that simple of a matter. The Raiders have proven they are a sound football team with great players. They've been up by at least 17 points in three of their losses. Additionally, they've had an opportunity to go up or tie on the last offensive possession in six of their games. Playing a full 60 minutes has been the detriment of the Raiders season, but fortunately for them it's something that can be easily improved with more comfortably with the new playbook and a heightened urgency – which was showcased in the overtime victory in Denver.

On the flip side of that, how big can last week's overtime win be for the Raiders going forward?

Edwards: Huge. It only takes one win to get things going. The Raiders of last year lost four out of five games in the middle of the season before going on a four-game win streak to end the season and earn a playoff berth. Many members of that resilient team are still here and have proven they can perform well under pressure. The win against the Broncos could be a shot of adrenaline to get things going to end the 2022 season on a higher note.

Three of Josh Jacobs' four 100-yard games have come in Raiders wins this year, how important is it for Vegas' offense to get the running game going?

Edwards: The Raiders are 6-1 in games in which Josh Jacobs has at least 100 rushing yards and a touchdown in his career. Jacobs brings an energy to the team that's hard to describe. He's the type of player the offense will run through a brick wall for when he gets rolling. His ability to succeed on the ground puts opposing defenses in a tricky dilemma with covering play-action passes, which is the fashion in which Davante Adams won the game for the Raiders last Sunday. If Jacobs gets going, it's hard to stop – for anyone.

Outside of the obvious big names like Adams, Crosby, Carr, Jacobs, etc. who is a player or players who might be an X-factor is this one?

Edwards: Mack Hollins has stepped up this year in more ways than one. The special teams captain plays with maximum effort and has taken advantage of playing next to Davante Adams. This season, he's reached a career high in receiving yards and catches, and is also second on the team in both categories. The big-body receiver will be needed Sunday for the Raiders, considering how physical the Seahawks secondary and linebackers are.

What matchup or matchups are you most looking forward to seeing in Sunday's game?

Edwards: I'm getting my popcorn out for Davante Adams and Tariq Woolen. Woolen is one of the most talented, young cornerbacks I've seen on film, and his size and speed are a mismatch against most receivers. However, Davante Adams isn't most receivers. He's second in the league in touchdown catches and his career statistics are on pace with Hall of Famers such as Jerry Rice, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens and Cris Carter. Adams will be a great challenge for the rookie cornerback who has already seen his fair share of stars.

The Seahawks face the Raiders at Lumen Field for Week 12 of the 2022 season. Take a look back at photos from previous games between the two teams.

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