Oakland Raiders on the rise, but defense needs change

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Sep 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) reacts after throwing a touchdown pass to wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) against the Baltimore Ravens in the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Bottom Line

After last Sunday, I believe Carr and Del Rio’s talk about being overly excited to play in the first game. At the same time, I wonder what Carr would have done in that game once that wore off. One thing the Raiders and Raider Nation know now is that they have a quarterback that’s clutch.

In order for that to mean anything, the defense has to keep the score down so the Raiders are in games. That is a nerve-racking situation, given the youth of the corners but they are improving. But the front-7 needs change as they haven’t stopped the run or sack the quarterback as Mack missed what should have been his first of the season.

The Raiders are stuck with their secondary so all they can do is hope there, but the front-7 needs change. I trust Del Rio to do whatever is necessary because he’s never had a bad defense. So continue to look for the Raiders to improve this year but every step of it isn’t going to be pretty as this team is still developing into a completed product, something that was evident even in the big win on Sunday as while the team succeeded the defense struggled throughout the game. If this coaching staff can make the right adjustments to turn this team into a cohesive unit that can put out complete efforts in all phases of the game every Sunday.

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