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Where are the Oakland Raiders heading? Defensive scheme

By Rory Anderson

Nov 1, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. encourages the defense before the start of the game against the New York Jets at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. encourages the defense before the start of the game against the New York Jets at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) is hit by Oakland Raiders cornerback David Amerson (29) in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Packers defeated the Raiders 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) is hit by Oakland Raiders cornerback David Amerson (29) in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Packers defeated the Raiders 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Nickel Set

What we witnessed last season is a diversifying of the nickel subpackages by defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. I expect more of the same this season. TJ Carrie is the primary slot cornerback and although he is not an ideal mold for a slot cornerback, he has shown a natural capacity to read a slot recceiver and react well. DJ Hayden has the athleticism to be a slot cornerback, but he needs to put it together. At times he has flashed some ability to do that job, but Carrie as of now is the man. Outside of those two players, the Raiders do not have slot cornerbacks. Allen can line up as one occasionally, but he is a poor defensive matchup most often, unless he is in short zone.

We should expect a four down lineman look with Mack/Harris, Edwards/Autry/Orr, Williams/Ellis/McGee, and Irvin/Aldon/Harris/Autry. Notice the interchangeability of the defensive front. Last season, the Raiders used different personnel in nickel to achieve different goals. Depending on if it is run-oriented defense or pass rush oriented or even blitz oriented, we will see different personnel groupings. The biggest difference this season, is the flexibility in coverage at the linebacker position.

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