Oakland Raiders on the rise, but defense needs change

Sep 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders receiver Michael Crabtree (15) celebrates with quarterback Derek Carr (4) after scoring on a 29-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens as at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 37-33. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland Raiders are now on the up-and-up after a huge win at home against the Baltimore Ravens. The team isn’t as bad as many thought after their blowout loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1 after all. Like the latter of last season, there are some encouraging things the Raiders and their fans can take from the game as Oakland earned a big home victory of a team that expects to be in the playoff hunt this season.

During the preseason, many media outsiders along with Raiders fans thought the team may be ready to do something this year. Then after the Week 1 loss, many of those same people, including fans predicted another 3-13 season. But Raiders fans need to buckle their seat belts because this is going to be a rollercoaster ride.

This is a young team with a bunch of new players to there will be some good highs and bad lows. We have a new coaching staff that doesn’t know all these players so they will have to get to know what they do well. There are some that will be okay as they are already starting to click but other areas that need work. Namely a defensive unit that is ranking amongst the worst in the league after the opening two weeks of the season under head coach Jack Del Rio and Ken Norton Jr.

Today we look at how the Raiders can improve their defense along with their chances at making a run this season.

Next: Get More Involved With the Defense