Oakland Raiders: 3 reasons for optimism after Week 1

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OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 09: P.J. Hall #92 of the Oakland Raiders sacks quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at RingCentral Coliseum on September 9, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

The Pass Rush

Did we just watch a game where the Raiders had a pass rush? It seemed as if every time Joe Flacco would drop back, the pocket was collapsing almost immediately.

The Raiders completely restructured their defensive line this off season, and it showed. The Raiders only recorded 13 sacks last season, not only putting them in last place, but putting them in last place by almost 20 sacks.

Benson Mayowa was the standout player for the defense, recording two sacks on Flacco, causing Flacco to fumble the first time, and arguably the second time as well (it was not called a fumble).

Along with Mayowa, the Raiders applied pressure all night, as first round pick Clelin Ferrell recorded his first sack of his NFL career. Burfict also had a sack, but it was called back because of a penalty down field on Abram, Arden Key had a QB hit, and PJ Hall was right there with Ferrell on his sack.

There was overall improvement across the defensive line, and if the Raiders can put that kind of pressure on every QB, they will put the NFL on notice.

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