Bair's key matchups: Texans vs. Raiders

Texans vs. Raiders

The Raiders look to bounce back from their season opener as they visit the Houston Texans on Sunday, Sept. 14. Check out the game's three most pivotal matchups according to Raiders Insider Scott Bair...

Shane Lechler vs. T.J. Carrie

The Raiders will try and negate some of Shane Lechler’s genius with an improved return game featuring T.J. Carrie, a seventh-round draft pick and Concord De La Salle High grad. Carrie returned just one punt for seven yards in a loss to the New York Jets. He also had a costly mental error where he performed a fair catch inside the Raiders’ 10-yard line. He must be better against Lechler, one of the NFL’s best punters.

Andre Johnson vs. Oakland cornerbacks

Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson should move around the field some, but it seems like Carlos Rogers will draw the assignment in the base defense, ceding outside duties to Chimdi Chekwa in the nickel package. Tarell Brown played well last week and wasn’t targeted, though Rogers gave up eight receptions on as many targets, though most were short passes. Chekwa will make his season debut after missing last week with a knee strain.

J.J. Watt vs. Donald Penn

J.J. Watt laid siege to Washington in the regular-season opener. Donald Penn has played Watt before, but it was a different version. He was with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a bit younger himself, but Watt wasn’t the monster he is today. Penn has proven solid as a run blocker and a pass protector in the preseason and the regular season opener against the New York Jets. Watt will be his toughest assignment all season.