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Oakland Raiders vs. Arizona Cardinals: Five Things To Watch

By Nick Hjeltness

May 31, 2016; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Connor Cook (8) throws a pass at organized team activities at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
May 31, 2016; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Connor Cook (8) throws a pass at organized team activities at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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What defensive formation(s) will be used?

Nov 8, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; The Pittsburgh Steelers offense lines up against the Oakland Raiders defense during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; The Pittsburgh Steelers offense lines up against the Oakland Raiders defense during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Reggie McKenzie has built a defense with versatility, so how Ken Norton Jr. and the team utilize the defense is an intriguing question.

The team has the personnel to run a number of different fronts — really, just about anything in the book. 4-3, 3-4, 5-2, and with just about any wrinkle you can imagine. So what type of defenses will we see in the first preseason game?

If camp is any indication, the base defense will be a 3-4/5-2 look. Khalil Mack has been standing, lined up on the left side. Jihad Ward, Justin Ellis and Mario Edwards Jr. have had their hands in the dirt, lined up in the middle. And Bruce Irvin has been standing, lined up on the right side.

That’s probably the first defensive front seven look we’ll see on Friday, with Malcolm Smith and Ben Heeney at the linebacker spots.

If the first-team logs just one series, it’ll be interesting to see what changes are made to the defensive formation, if any. Particularly with versatile players such as Shilique Calhoun and James Cowser. Will they see more action on the defensive line, or will they be standing up?

Next: Raiders vs. Cardinals: 5 Things - Connor Cook

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