Las Vegas Raiders new-look defense will get an early test against Carolina

By Brad Weiss | Aug 28, 2020

ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 03: Cory Littleton #58 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates his interception in the first quarter of the Super Bowl LIII against the New England Patriots at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

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New Raiders linebacker Cory Littleton (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders new-look defense will get an early test against Carolina

Improvement in coverage at the linebacker spot

Heading into the 2020 offseason, the Silver and Black made it a point to not only get better at the linebacker position, but bring in guys who can actually cover. Players like Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski are going to be expected to come in and change the dynamic at linebacker, turning a weakness into a strength.

In Week 1, the tandem will have to go up against McCaffrey, who pulled off an incredible feat during the 2019 campaign. Not only did he rush for a career-high 1,387 yards, but he also was a menace in the passing game, catching over 100 passes for the second straight year, while eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark as well.

That kind of talent is going to show the Raiders early on whether or not they have the players on defense to handle the best in the game. Remember, not only do they play Carolina in Week 1, but then they welcome the New Orleans Saints to Allegiant Stadium in Week 2, a team that features another dynamic back in Alvin Kamara.

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