Oakland Raiders on the rise, but defense needs change

Sep 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio reacts after the Raiders threw an incomplete pass against the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 37-33. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Get More Involved With Defense

Everywhere Jack Del Rio has been as a head coach or coordinator, he has immediately built a great defense. But so far this season, the Raiders are giving up 33 points and 444 yards per game. Since the offense exploded Sunday after a bad opening day, Del Rio doesn’t need concern himself so much with the offense, but he does need to start focusing on the problems of the defense.

At his press conference Monday, he sounded like he’s looking to do something about the defense saying, “I think we took a step forward as a team. Offensively, some of the things we were talking about a week ago, we were a lot better this week and we’re looking to make that same kind of jump on defense.”

He took it even further later on in the press conference saying, “The standard of defense and what we’re looking for has been established and we’re going to get that done.” Ken Norton Jr. can use the help after designing a defense that had linebackers covering Ravens receiver Steve Smith in zone coverage at times. With a rookie defensive coordinator in KNJ and a proven mind in Del Rio, it is only a matter of time before the head coach begins to help tinker with the schemes to solve the problems the Raiders have had so far this season.

Next: Change at the Strong Side