Oakland Raiders identity starting to show

Oct 19, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) is pressured by Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Justin Ellis (78) at O.co Coliseum. The Cardinals defeated the Raiders 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Meat and Potatoes

Down the stretch of last year, 6’2″, 334-pound nose tackle Justin “Jelly” Ellis came on and played well. He used the big, wide body to stuff the run and surprised with his ability to rush the passer. And this offseason, the Raiders added Dan Williams at 6’3″, 315 to help clog the middle of the defense.

Del Rio has always been known to stick two run-stuffers in the middle rather than one penetrator. This is why wherever he’s gone, the run defense has always finished in the top five right away. And that’s exactly what it looked like when the two run-stuffers they call, “Meat and Potatoes” were in the game.

And with middle linebacker Curtis Lofton behind them, it won’t be easy running on the Raiders. With the players now in place, Del Rio’s defense should at least finish in the top ten this year. Also expect the two big men to have a big push up the middle too as Ellis had a sack negated by penalty Friday.

Next: Still go it