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The Autumn(Re)Wind: Breaking down the Raiders defense

By BD Williams

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 09: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Denver Broncos is stripped of the ball by the Oakland Raiders defense in the second quarter of the game at RingCentral Coliseum on September 09, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 09: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Denver Broncos is stripped of the ball by the Oakland Raiders defense in the second quarter of the game at RingCentral Coliseum on September 09, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 07: Daryl Worley #20 and Trayvon Mullen #27 of the Oakland Raiders celebrate after a defensive stop against the Los Angeles Chargers on third down in the third quarter at RingCentral Coliseum on November 07, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 07: Daryl Worley #20 and Trayvon Mullen #27 of the Oakland Raiders celebrate after a defensive stop against the Los Angeles Chargers on third down in the third quarter at RingCentral Coliseum on November 07, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Coverage primer

Paul Guenther is a big proponent of playing man coverage. One of his favorite calls is Cover 1. The Raiders defense needs to be able to play single high coverage in a variety of ways in order to contend with the fantastic quarterbacks in the league.

The Raiders have a few different strategies for playing Cover 1. Usually it will be their linebackers keying the running back, especially on run downs. But Guenther will change things up and get his safeties involved in ways to make an impact if a tendency is observed.

The Raiders defense will also play a fair amount of 2 high safety looks, these split field coverages require chemistry and communication from the back 7 on defense.

Early in 2019, split field coverages yielded some big plays due to defenders being on a different pages. By the end of the year however, the Raiders were most effective against the pass when they had two safeties deep.

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