Las Vegas Raiders defense answered some questions in 2021 Week 1

Las Vegas Raiders defense answered some questions in 2021 Week 1

Would the pass rush improve?

Wow. So that pass rush? Let’s talk about it. Because it feels as though an eternity has passed since Las Vegas has had a pass rush that was that efficient.

They were the real difference makers in this game. Jackson, who had no serious rushing help, was forced to throw or run the ball himself on almost every down. Las Vegas pass rush knew that was going to be  the case, so bringing the pressure was crucial, and they did thanks to an incredible game from Madd Maxx Crosby.

Crosby finished the game with six total tackles, two tackles for a loss, and two sacks. Also, he was constantly putting pressure on Jackson, forcing him to remain uncomfortable and leave the pocket. And even when Jackson did leave the pocket, Crosby would fly after him and try to bring him down.

It would be remiss if we didn’t mention Yannick Ngakoue and Carl Nassib. While Ngakoue did leave the game with a hamstring issue, he still played great football when he was on the field and showed exactly why he was brought in to start opposite of Crosby. Carl Nassib also had a great game, coming up with one of the biggest plays of the game when he strip sacked Jackson in overtime.

It’s great to see Nassib succeed, as his disappointing year last year left his future with the team in question.