PFF Recap: Grading the Oakland Raiders in Week 8
By Austin Gayle
Khalil Mack Finds his Rhythm
Those who have watched his tape know that opposing offenses have felt Raiders edge-rusher Khalil Mack’s presence all season, but because he hasn’t blown the league away in sack production, he has received undeserved criticism.
As expected, Mack has silenced the critics.
Dropping Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston twice in Sunday’s affair, Mack now has four sacks in three games.
In addition to his two sacks, Mack picked up five pressures, four quarterback hits, seven combined tackles, and a forced fumble, and, in turn, PFF awarded him his best single-game grade of the season (91.4).
Pinpointed as a potential victim to Mack’s wrath earlier in the week, Buccaneers left tackle Donavan Smith failed to exceed his low expectations, as Mack bullied the second-year offensive tackle with unmatched consistency.
"“Donovan Smith remains a huge problem on Winston’s blindside,” per PFF.com. “He coughed up seven of the 11 pressures allowed by the Bucs’ line, and was frequently tormented by Khalil Mack. Tampa appear committed to Smith at that position over the long-term, but his development remains far from a certainty.”"
Forcing Tampa Bay into long-term uncertainty, Mack will continue to play beneath a national spotlight, leaving opposing coordinators with no choice but to do whatever it takes to reduce his impact.