Opposition Research: Levi Edwards Discusses the Raiders
Each week, Colts.com will interview a writer who covers the team the Colts will face the following week.
The Indianapolis Colts will face the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium in Week 17. To learn more, we spoke with Levi Edwards, Raiders.com’s digital team reporter.
Colts.com: The Raiders’ Christmas victory over the Kansas City Chiefs not only keeps the team’s postseason aspirations alive, but it also provides interim head coach Antonio Pierce with possibly the biggest win of his tenure. What are the most noticeable alterations in the team since Pierce took over for Josh McDaniels in early November?
Levi Edwards: I wouldn’t call it a difference, but the vibe in the locker room has increased. Pierce has advocated playing with energy and emotion, and the players have responded positively to his message, especially given that he is a former Pro Bowl linebacker who has won numerous games as a player.
Colts.com: The Raiders also benched Jimmy Garoppolo in favor of rookie Aidan O’Connell. How would you rate the rookie after his first eight starts?
Levi Edwards: He’s been a work in progress, but the crucial word has been progress, as evidenced by his eight starts. His accuracy has been on display since the preseason, but his most significant areas of progress have been turnover reduction and pocket awareness. His biggest game yet came in Week 15 against the Chargers, when he threw four touchdown passes in the Raiders’ franchise-record 63-point victory.
Colts.com: One advantage of O’Connell’s position is that he has playmakers like Josh Jacobs and Davante Adams to pass the ball to. Though both players’ performance has decreased since last season, they are still two guys that defenses must keep an eye on at all times. How important is their presence on offense?
Levi Edwards: Their presence is as strong as it has always been. While the Raiders’ attack is built on the two All-Pros, opposing defenses focusing on them has created opportunities for Jakobi Meyers, who leads the team in TD receptions, and Ameer Abdullah on third down. Whether or not the ball is in their hands, the threat posed by Jacobs and Adams is enough to keep defensive coordinators on their toes.
Colts.com reports that defensive end Maxx Crosby is having his finest season since entering the NFL. What is it about this season that has Crosby playing so well, with a career-high 13.5 sacks already under his belt?
Levi Edwards: Crosby has been playing at a high level for 2-3 seasons already, but he has only recently gained national attention. He’s been consistent in his offseason conditioning and brings a relentless energy to practice, which is visible on Sundays. His leadership in the locker room is just as important to the club as his sacks on the field.
Colts.com: Though the Raiders’ defense has recently been performing well, allowing an average of only 12.7 points over the last three games, the Colts’ offense has shown it can score regularly, averaging 23.6 points per game this season. What should the Raiders’ defense do to prevent the Colts’ offense from getting into a rhythm?
Levi Edwards: Their first priority must be to stop the Colts’ rushing onslaught. Jonathan Taylor has averaged 135 yards rushing per game in three career games versus the Raiders. While the Silver and Black’s passing defense has been outstanding recently, they must commit to stopping the rushing game early in order to make the Colts offense one-dimensional. But it’s easier said than done.
