Las Vegas Raiders: 4 most exciting storylines heading into 2020

Las Vegas Raiders: 4 most exciting storylines heading into 2020

Raiders finally have playmakers on defense

Aside from the overall weakness on defense in 2019 thanks to injury, the Raiders struggled to make plays on that side of the ball. They were 25th in the league in sacks with 32, 31st with only 15 takeaways, and had just two defensive touchdowns.

The defensive backfield in particular was decimated by injuries but the linebackers were not much better off after the suspensions and injuries to that position group. Major investment was made to both groups with a focus on playmakers and the same can be said of the defensive line as well.

At linebacker, Cory Littleton has an incredible nose for the ball and has come up with five interceptions, four fumble recoveries, and 7.5 sacks in his two seasons as a starter. Damarious Randall, Prince Amukamara, and Jeff Heath have a combined 32 interceptions in their careers and will give the defense experienced ballhawks in the secondary.

The defensive line made major strides in 2019 and the unit should be a strength for the Raiders, especially when it comes to rushing the passer. Newcomers Carl Nassib and Maliek Collins are proven pass rushers and should combine well with Clelin Ferrell, Maxx Crosby, and Mo Hurst to terrorize opposing quarterbacks.

This will be the first time since 2016 that the Raiders will have several players on defense that can be counted on to come up with game-changing plays and we should see plenty of momentum-swinging turnovers from this group.