Oakland Raiders Need to Make Some Changes

Run the 3-4

In Week 3, when the Raiders played the New England Patriots, they had their best defensive performance of the year. And it’s no coincidence that the Raiders were in a 3-4 base defense for the majority of if not the whole game that day. At times, 2014 1st-round pick Khalil Mack took over the game as the Patriots couldn’t run his way and he harassed quarterback Tom Brady.

The Raiders gave up a season-low 76 yards rushing to the patriots when they give up an average of  145 yards rushing per game. Nose tackle Justin Ellis is a much bigger factor in the middle to make life a little easier for Burris in the 3-4.  Burris actually looked decent as an inside linebacker so Bojay Filimoeatu or Jamarr Chaney can plug in and play inside linebacker beside him.

Then Mack can take over games with more opportunities to rush the passer to go along with stopping the run in the 3-4. LaMarr Woodley is injured now and ineffective when he played so Moore, who may be the team’s best pass rusher, could come off the other edge. Antonio Smith is much better as a 3-4 end than 4-3 tackle and Tarver is a 3-4 coordinator so he should be calling his defense going forward.