3 Reasons why the Oakland Raiders will win the AFC West

The defense is finding its groove

Heading into the 2019 season everyone wondered what the Raiders were going to do about their putrid defense. As it turned out, the Raiders invested a lot into fixing the issues that maligned them the season prior. Two of the team’s three first round draft picks were used on defensive players, although Jonathan Abram hasn’t played since Week 1 against Denver.

With the fourth overall pick the Raiders selected Clelin Ferrell to shore up the defensive line, but in reality, it was fourth round pick Maxx Crosby who has had the biggest impact on that unit. Free agent addition Benson Mayowa leads the team in sacks with 7, while Ferrell has 3.5 and Crosby has 2.5 alongside second-year defensive tackle Maurice Hurst.

The play of the defensive line has helped out secondary as well, ensuring that they spend less time trying to cover opposing receivers. Daryl Worley and Trayvon Mullen have both been impressive, meanwhile Erik Harris has been a stud in the secondary all season. Karl Joseph has played well too, but he will now be out for the remainder of the season.

The linebackers have been banged up and without captain Vontaze Burfict for a majority of the season, but they have held their own, especially Tahir Whitehead. While not great in coverage, the unit has been tremendous against the run and has been vital in keeping the Raiders in games.

If the defense keeps playing as one, not three individual units, this team will find success down the stretch. Young guys like Ferrell and Crosby will only get better as the season drags on as experience is the best teacher for rookies. If the defense continues to put in performances like they did against the Chargers, the Raiders are in a good position to make a push for the division title.