Las Vegas Raiders: Quinton Jefferson is key to the defensive line
By CJ Errickson
The Las Vegas Raiders brought in some new faces up front along the defensive line, and Quinton Jefferson could be the key to it all.
I know what you’re thinking; you’ve heard this headline before. At nearly the same time last year, Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden said that new free-agent acquisition Maliek Collins would be the ‘key’ to the Raiders defense in 2020.
That statement was about as effective as his play, as Maliek Collins generated 0 sacks combined with 0 tackles for loss in 11 games started last season. Credit to Maliek, he was another casualty in a scheme with no discipline or seemingly any sort of structure under former defensive coordinator Paul Guenther.
Besides the point, Collins is still a young player, as he was 25 years old in his lone season with the club. Now compare that to the Silver and Black’s free-agent addition at defensive tackle this offseason, Quinton Jefferson.
Jefferson is 28 years old and is coming from one of the better NFL organizations today, the Buffalo Bills. His experience, combined with his proven ability to be a game-changer, is exactly what Las Vegas needs on the interior of their defensive line. Ultimately, his play will need to be consistent if the team wants to turn things around on the defensive side of the ball.
Why is Quinton Jefferson so important for the Raiders in 2021?
The Las Vegas Raiders have brought in former Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Gus Bradley as their own this offseason. Say what you will about the division rival, but Bradley had talented defensive backs during most of his tenure with the Chargers.
In contrast, the case can not be made for the Raiders in recent and present times. The majority of Las Vegas’ secondary currently has 3 years or less of NFL experience. Inexperience in Gus’ Cover 3 scheme will have some growing pains, but it can be mitigated with pressure.
Speaking of pressure, the new defensive coordinator in Sin City infrequently uses it. Last season, the Chargers only blitzed on 16.3% of their defensive snaps in 2020, a league-low. This means that it is crucial that the front 4 consistently generates pressure. Yannick Ngakoue and Maxx Crosby will undoubtedly provide pressure on the edges, and in theory, that will allow Quinton Jefferson to work inside without the threat of being double-teamed.
When left isolated with his matchup as a pass rusher, he shows the ability to win consistently.
In addition to winning his matchups, he will have plenty of opportunities to make game-changing plays that Raider Nation is very familiar with.
Above all, expect Jefferson to be a contributor more so than his recent counterparts at the position.