BREAKING NEWS: Patrick Graham Unveils Strategy to Contain Chargers' Dominant Offense
Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has outlined his game plan to stifle the explosive offense of the Los Angeles Chargers. With the Chargers' high-powered attack, led by quarterback Justin Herbert and wide receiver Keenan Allen, consistently posing a threat, Graham knows the key to a Raiders victory lies in shutting down their offensive firepower.
In a press conference ahead of the upcoming matchup, Graham detailed his strategy for containing the Chargers. "We’re focused on applying pressure without leaving gaps that Herbert can exploit," he said. "We need to be disciplined in our coverage and make sure we’re disrupting timing, especially with their deep-ball threats. Our defensive line needs to get after Herbert and force him into uncomfortable situations."
Graham emphasized the importance of keeping the Chargers' running game in check, stating that stopping Austin Ekeler early would be crucial in limiting the offense’s versatility. "If we can take away their ground game and make them one-dimensional, it will be easier to focus on Herbert's passing game," he added.
The Raiders will also rely on their secondary to be aggressive in coverage, particularly against the Chargers' potent receiving corps. Graham highlighted the need for the defensive backs to stay tight on Allen and other key receivers while being ready to jump on any opportunity to disrupt passing lanes.
With the Chargers' offense ranked among the best in the league, Graham’s defensive strategy will require sharp execution from every level of the defense. "We know the challenge, but we’re ready to execute the game plan and keep our eyes on the prize," Graham said, reinforcing his confidence in his unit’s ability to rise to the occasion.
Raiders fans will be watching closely to see how Graham’s defensive strategy unfolds, hoping for a strong performance against one of the most dangerous offenses in the NFL.
Browns’ Jack Conklin injury update vs Ravens will frighten Joe Flacco
Jack Conklin's status for Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens is up in the air as he deals with an elbow injury.
The Cleveland Browns will be facing another divisional opponent in Week 2 in the Baltimore Ravens, and they could be without one of their key linemen. Jack Conklin suffered an injury in Week 1, and there's a chance that he may not play this week, according to Scott Petrak of The Chronicle-Telegram.
“Browns coach Kevin Stefanski: RT Jack Conklin is questionable because of elbow injury sustained in opener. Eye is fine after getting poked in that game. Stefanski said it's 50-50 whether he'll play,” Petrak wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Conklin left the game against the Cincinnati Bengals after dealing with an eye injury. He went to the medical tent and then returned to the sidelines with his teammates, but never returned to the field. Stefanski noted after the game that Conklin got poked in the eye.
It was unknown that Conklin was dealing with an elbow injury, but it doesn't seem like anything too serious. If he doesn't play, Cornelius Lucas will most likely take his place, like he did when he left the game in Week 1.
Conklin is an All-Pro and has been with the Browns for six seasons, but injuries have held him back throughout his tenure. Nonetheless, he has been key to their blocking scheme, and when he's on the field, things open up for the Browns' offense.
The Ravens did not get much pressure on Josh Allen last week, and that should be a good sign for the Browns' offensive line. Against the Bengals, they allowed Joe Flacco to be sacked only twice, but the rushing attack only produced 49 yards. The hope is that they can get something going on the ground as they try to make it difficult for the Ravens to contain them on offense.
Conklin would be a big part of that, and there's still a chance that he suits up.
Browns Week 2 injury report leaves door open for Quinshon Judkins' debut
The Browns wrapped up their Ravens prep on Friday for another AFC North divisional battle in their first road game of the season. Both teams are coming off one-point losses in Week 1, but Vegas considers Baltimore a heavy favorite. Per
It's still early in the year, so injuries shouldn't tell too much of the story in this game, at least not at first. Here's the
The Browns were only without Mike Hall Jr. on Friday after he was limited on Wednesday and Thursday. The second-year defensive lineman out of Ohio State will miss his second-straight game to start the year as he continues to work back from a knee injury at the end of last season. He's the only player ruled out for Cleveland after practice.