Bair's key matchups: Raiders vs. Jets

Raiders vs. Jets

The Raiders open their 2014 regular season against the New York Jets on Sunday, Sept. 7. Check out the three most pivotal matchups within the game, according to Raiders Insider Scott Bair...

Raiders secondary vs. Geno Smith

The Raiders pass defense was torched by starting quarterbacks all preseason long. Geno Smith beat Oakland last year with roughly 270 total yards, two touchdowns and a pick, and by all accounts he's vastly improved. But Charles Woodson, Tyvon Branch, Tarell Brown and Carlos Rogers are out to prove their secondary has improved as well.

Austin Howard vs. Sheldon Richardson

Austin Howard was the Jets starting right tackle the past two seasons. His first game against a new team will be against his old team, in the stadium where he rose to prominence. And he’ll be matched up against an old friend and new foe in defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson -- last year's defensive rookie of the year. Both are eager for the challenge.

Derek Carr vs. Rex Ryan

Rex Ryan is 7-1 in initial meetings with rookie passers, feasting on the inexperienced with innovative blitz schemes that disorient and disrupt. Derek Carr has been impressive the preseason, but it will be his NFL debut when he faces Ryan and the Jets. Still, he's done all he can to prepare, including call his older brother, who faced Ryan's defenses seven times.