3 causes for concern for Raiders Week 10 vs Seahawks

Week 10 brings the Raiders and the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks together. The Seahawks, despite sitting at just 5-4 on the season, pose significant challenges for the Raiders. Here are three key areas of concern for the Raiders as they prepare for their matchup against the Seahawks:

1. The Seahawks boast the league's top-ranked defense. Since last season, they have allowed the fewest yards in the NFL, registering just 2,198. This includes the best defense in pass defense and a second-best run defense measured by yards allowed per attempt. With a league-high 18 points conceded per game, the Seahawks' defense is a formidable obstacle for any opponent.

2. The Seahawks have established familiarity with the Raiders' offensive system. The reigning Super Bowl champions achieved their success last season under the guidance of former Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak, who served as their offensive coordinator and Andrew Janocko as quarterback coach. As Kubiak returns to Oakland, he may leverage his deep understanding of the Raiders' offense to strategize against the current coaching staff.

However, Mike MacDonald's talented defense may prove more challenging to counter than Kubiak's former Raiders unit.

3. Quarterback Jaxon Smith-Njigba is on pace to earn Offensive Player of the Year honors. Playing just nine games into the season, Smith-Njigba has already amassed over 1,000 receiving yards, placing him at the forefront of the NFL rankings. He currently leads the league in receiving yards (1,036) and touchdowns (nine), putting him on track for another Offensive Player of the Year accolade.

Despite facing weaker opponents in the past, the Seahawks' defensive backs have struggled to contain even less talented receivers. The Raiders' defensive backs may find it difficult to match Smith-Njigba's level of production.