Las Vegas Raiders attempt to tie up loose ends amid playoff push

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 22: Vic Beasley Jr. #44 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after sacking Gardner Minshew II #15 of the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 22: Vic Beasley Jr. #44 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after sacking Gardner Minshew II #15 of the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Clelin Ferrell has played well but is not getting sacks (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Clelin Ferrell has played well but is not getting sacks (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders attempt to tie up loose ends amid playoff push

Looking Ahead

Although Clelin Ferrell has shown improvement, he doesn’t have a sack for the season. Vegas just activated him off the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday, but the second-year defensive end didn’t practice, per Bay Area News Group‘s Jerry McDonald:

Maxx Crosby is the only player on the roster with at least two full sacks. Carl Nassib has 1.5. Overall, the Raiders have logged the second-fewest sacks (11) going Week 12. Even with Ferrell on the way back, this club needed to take a chance on a few available pass-rushers.

Perhaps Irving showcases inside-out versatility in his ability to pressure the pocket—something we saw from him with the Dallas Cowboys between the 2016 and 2017 terms when he accumulated 11 sacks.

Next. 4 things Las Vegas Raiders fans can be thankful for in 2020. dark

Nonetheless, the Raiders’ pass rush isn’t completely ineffective. The unit has to do a better job of finishing off signal-callers. Vegas actually ranks 14th in quarterback pressures (88), which means the front line could be on the cusp of a breakout performance.

Irving, Beasley, and maybe McKinley may provide the boost needed for a strong six-game stretch as the Raiders vie for a playoff berth.