Tough Loss Points to Bright Future For Oakland Raiders

Oct 12, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Branden Oliver (43) rushes for a gain against Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) and free safety Charles Woodson (24) during the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Mack Attack

Khalil Mack has yet to sack the quarterback in the NFL but please believe the outside linebacker is ballin’. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the best linebacker in the NFL against the run as opposing teams simply can’t run his way. And he’s still putting mad heat on opposing quarterbacks as he had four pressures on Sunday vs the Chargers.

The reason why he and the Raiders have even less sacks than they had last year at this point is because Mack has no help. The protection is always slid his way because former Pittsburgh Steeler LaMarr Woodley is doing nothing on the other side. Last Sunday, Mack consistently beat Chargers left tackle King Dunlap around the corner only for quarterback Philip Rivers to step up then throw.

If the Raiders had any kind of push in the middle, the four quarterback pressures Mack had could have been sacks. Even Lawrence Taylor, the GOAT at outside linebacker needed help from Jim Burt and Leonard Marshall inside and Carl Banks on the other side. Mack’s career will statistically take off big-time once he gets some help in those areas from his teammates.