The Oakland Raiders’ Most Pressing Questions on Defense

The Oakland Raiders, now the Las Vegas Raiders, have seen their fortunes ebb and flow over the years. While they’ve had success in certain areas, the franchise has consistently struggled to find stability on defense. Over the years, their defense has often been a liability, preventing them from making deep playoff runs and competing with the league’s elite teams.

In recent seasons, the Raiders have made notable changes to improve their defense. Yet, despite these efforts, numerous questions continue to loom over their defensive unit. As the team strives to improve and potentially become a playoff contender, it’s crucial to understand the most pressing questions surrounding their defense.

1. How Can the Raiders Improve Their Pass Rush?

A key component of any successful defense is the ability to generate pressure on the quarterback. Unfortunately, the Raiders’ pass rush has been underwhelming in recent seasons. Despite having talent like Maxx Crosby, the pass rush has often lacked the consistency needed to disrupt opposing quarterbacks.

The Raiders’ defensive line has struggled to create pressure without blitzing. While Crosby has shown flashes of elite pass-rushing ability, the team needs additional players to step up. For example, defensive end Chandler Jones was signed to bolster the pass rush, but injuries and inconsistency have kept him from making the desired impact.

As of now, the Raiders need to find ways to generate more pressure with just four defenders. The reliance on blitzing leaves the secondary vulnerable, and it’s clear that more talent is needed on the defensive line. The team’s front office and coaching staff need to determine whether they can develop internal talent like Malcolm Koonce or if they need to make more moves to add a proven edge rusher to pair with Crosby.

Key Questions:

• Can Maxx Crosby maintain his elite play while the rest of the pass rush improves?
• Is Chandler Jones the answer, or is it time for the Raiders to move on from him?
• How can the Raiders develop their younger pass rushers like Koonce to contribute immediately?

2. What Is the State of the Raiders’ Secondary?

The Raiders have faced numerous issues with their secondary in recent years. While players like Trayvon Mullen, Nate Hobbs, and Jonathan Abram have shown promise, they have often been inconsistent, and the secondary has failed to generate enough turnovers or prevent big plays in critical moments.

The addition of cornerback Rock Ya-Sin was seen as a positive step, but it remains unclear if he can become a true lockdown corner. Meanwhile, the safety position has been a revolving door of mediocrity for years, with no real standout players who can consistently make an impact in coverage or as a tackler.

A primary concern with the Raiders’ secondary has been its inability to generate turnovers. In today’s NFL, turnovers are a game-changer, and the Raiders’ defense has often failed to capitalize on opportunities. If they are to compete with high-powered offenses, the secondary needs to be more aggressive in coverage and make more plays on the ball.

Key Questions:

• Can the Raiders’ secondary become a reliable unit that consistently shuts down opposing receivers?
• Will Rock Ya-Sin develop into a No. 1 corner, or is the team still searching for that elusive lockdown cornerback?
• Is there a long-term solution at safety, or do the Raiders need to invest in new talent at the position?

3. How Will the Linebacking Corps Perform?

The linebacker position has been another area of concern for the Raiders over the years. Historically, the team has lacked standout linebackers capable of making an impact both in coverage and as tacklers. The Raiders’ linebacking group has often been a mix of serviceable players, but there has been no clear star who can anchor the unit.

Last season, the team made some moves to address the linebacking corps, but questions remain. The acquisition of veteran linebacker Denzel Perryman was a solid move, but is he enough to change the culture of the unit? The Raiders also have young talent like Divine Deablo and Jayon Brown, but they need more development and consistency from these players.

The Raiders must focus on improving their run defense and coverage schemes at linebacker. If the team is to become a top-tier defense, they need linebackers who can stay on the field for all three downs and contribute to both the run defense and passing game.

Key Questions:

• Can Denzel Perryman continue to be a leader for the linebacker corps, or will he show signs of aging?
• Can Divine Deablo take the next step and become a dynamic playmaker in the linebacker unit?
• Does the team need to add another linebacker via free agency or the draft to stabilize the unit?

4. How Can the Raiders Become Better at Stopping the Run?

While the Raiders’ pass defense has been a major issue, their ability to stop the run has been another persistent problem. In recent seasons, opposing teams have been able to impose their will on the ground against the Raiders. The defense has struggled to set the edge, and the linebackers have often been too slow to fill gaps and make tackles.

This weakness has forced the Raiders to play from behind, as teams are able to control the clock and limit the Raiders’ opportunities on offense. In the AFC West, where powerful running backs like Derrick Henry and Javonte Williams reside, this is a significant issue that needs immediate attention.

Improving the run defense will require a combination of better play from the defensive line, linebackers, and safeties. It will also require an adjustment to the defensive scheme, with a stronger emphasis on gap control and tackling fundamentals.

Key Questions:

• How can the Raiders stop the run without sacrificing their ability to rush the passer?
• Are the current defensive linemen and linebackers skilled enough to handle powerful running backs in the AFC West?
• Can the Raiders improve their defensive line’s play to clog running lanes and allow linebackers to make plays?

5. What Is the Long-Term Plan for the Defensive Line?

The Raiders’ defensive line is another area that needs improvement. The team has made moves to add depth and talent to the defensive front, but questions remain about the long-term strategy for building a dominant defensive line. Maxx Crosby is the team’s most consistent pass rusher, but the team needs additional players who can disrupt the pocket consistently.

The Raiders invested heavily in defensive tackle Bilal Nichols, who was signed to improve their interior defensive line, but his impact has yet to reach elite levels. The Raiders also need to identify more talent at defensive tackle and edge rusher to solidify their front seven.

Building a dominant defensive line isn’t just about adding talent; it’s about developing that talent and creating a cohesive unit. The Raiders’ defensive line needs to work together more efficiently, with players like Nichols and Crosby leading the way and younger players stepping up.

Key Questions:

• How can the Raiders maximize Maxx Crosby’s potential while developing other players around him?
• Is Bilal Nichols the answer at defensive tackle, or do the Raiders need to look for other options?
• Should the Raiders focus on drafting a defensive lineman in the early rounds to create a more well-rounded defensive front?

6. Can the Raiders’ Defensive Coaching Staff Develop a Consistent Game Plan?

A significant question facing the Raiders’ defense is their ability to adapt and develop a consistent defensive strategy. Over the years, the defensive coaching staff has faced criticism for not being able to adjust to modern offenses, particularly those with dynamic quarterbacks or high-powered passing attacks.

Under defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, there’s a sense that things are moving in the right direction. Graham brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team, having previously coached the New York Giants’ defense, which showed significant improvement during his tenure. However, the key question remains: can Graham and the defensive coaching staff get the best out of the Raiders’ defensive personnel?

A successful defense requires a scheme that can adjust week-to-week based on the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. The Raiders need to become a defense that can adapt to both the run and the pass, which means emphasizing flexibility and a sound game plan that leverages the team’s strengths.

Key Questions:

• Can Patrick Graham build a defense that’s capable of adjusting to different offensive schemes and challenges?
• Will the Raiders’ defense be able to show consistent improvement throughout the season?
• How can the coaching staff help the players maximize their potential in high-pressure situations?

As the Raiders continue to rebuild and improve their roster, the most pressing questions on defense revolve around their ability to generate consistent pressure, solidify their secondary, improve their run defense, and develop a more cohesive defensive game plan. While the team has made strides in some areas, there’s still a long way to go to turn the defense into a championship-caliber unit. With a solid coaching staff and a few key additions, the Raiders could significantly improve their defense and become a more well-rounded team capable of contending for the playoffs in the future.