Preview and Prediction: Oakland Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs
By Austin Gayle
Raiders’ Front Four Should Remain Dominant Against Chiefs’ Offensive Line
The Raiders’ defensive line hasn’t shocked the world in terms of statistics, accumulating just seven sacks this season, but they are due for a standout performance against a struggling Chiefs offensive line.
According to NFL.com, the Chiefs have allowed 13 sacks, 24 quarterback hits, and 13 tackles for loss in just four games this season.
Former Cleveland Browns right tackle Mitchell Schwartz has performed well since taking his talents to Kansas City, but the rest of the crew has failed to follow his lead. Chiefs left tackle Eric Fisher has yet to live up to the hype after being drafted No. 1 overall in the 2013 NFL draft, and, to make matters worse, Kansas City’s interior offensive line hasn’t even lived up to low expectations.
With Oakland set to take on the Chiefs offensive line, a lot of attention will go to Raiders’ edge-rushers Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin because of their previous success, which, in turn, should open up opportunities for Oakland’s interior defensive linemen to leave their mark.
Oakland has significantly benefited from their depth between Mack and Irvin, as Raiders defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. has been able to maintain constant production while rotating players in frequently, one of which being fourth-year defensive lineman Stacy McGee.
McGee, a sixth-round pick in the 2013 NFL draft, has fought to stay on the Raiders’ roster despite earning limited opportunities on the field. Now seeing the most snaps of his career, McGee thriving in the limelight.
In 137 defensive snaps, McGee has graded out as the 17th best interior defensive lineman in the NFL (80.8), per PFF.com, accumulating 11 combined tackles, 2.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.
"“Well, I think Stacy (McGee) decided to be a really good player,” Norton said. “I think that growth has a lot to do with it. I think that our staff has really worked with him and he has really had a mindful growth set about him. He really wants to do really well, and obviously, with the group he’s in – Khalil (Mack) and Bruce (Irvin) and himself – and you can tell that the work they put in, the studying they put in, the coaching that they get, they are prepared to do well.”"
Though McGee has stolen the headlines away from Mack because of his early production, Norton is confident that Mack will find his way back onto the stat sheet, and even if he doesn’t, his impact is still noteworthy.
"“You just have to keep grinding,” Norton said. “Sacks come in bunches. Obviously now, he’s not a mystery, everyone knows who he is. If you know a guy’s going to be really good, you’re going to keep your eyes on him. At the same time, you have guys like Stacy McGee emerge. Khalil’s greatness is also helping other players get one-on-ones and get opportunities to really show what they have. It’s good for everybody.”"
Look for Mack to join McGee in the headlines after a strong performance against Kansas City.