Oakland Raiders Front Seven is Another Team Strength

August 15, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush (21) is tackled by Oakland Raiders defensive end LaMarr Woodley (57) during the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

LaMarr Woodley

When healthy, LaMarr Woodley was a double-digit sack man as an outside linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers. This year, he will get even more opportunities to rush the passer with the Raiders as he moves to end, leaving him no more coverage responsibilities. Watching in the preseason opener, I see he has lost nothing but playing time due to injury so his health will determine his success. The Raiders really need Woodley to not only get after that quarterback but teach the youngsters on the defense how to do it. With all that he’s done and that championship pedigree, he’ll be a good influence on the youngsters on the team. In their base defense, he’ll come off the defensive right edge and in pure passing situations, he’ll come of the defensive left edge and try the right tackle. Doing that, I expect Woodley to double the production of  last year with six sacks and and numerous pressures. He has looked pretty explosive off the edge this preseason as he was the one that made the quarterback step up into that sack for Sims. He’s also good against the run so expect some tackles in the backfield for him too.