Las Vegas Raiders defense is the foundation for the future
The Las Vegas Raiders may get a lot of press due to quarterback Derek Carr, but it is the defense that is the foundation for the future.
As the Raiders prepare for a potential playoff run, these past two wins, against the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos have come down to one common thing: the defense.
Coming into 2021, the talk surrounding the Las Vegas Raiders was the new-look defense. The thought was that the team could ride its prolific offense once again and only needed a below-average, not historically horrid, defense to make a playoff run.
However, after over a decade of embarrassing defensive play, the Raiders finally have the semblance of a good defense.
The addition of Defensive Coordinator Gus Bradley and his disciples have made all of the difference for a historically bad defense. Under Bradley’s tutelage, core Raiders defenders such as Maxx Crosby, Johnathan Abram, Jonathan Hankins, and Trayvon Mullen have all improved and performed admirably.
Depth players such as Keisean Nixon, Carl Nassib, Clelin Ferrell, and Dallin Leavitt have improved from horrendous to useful. However, the main difference has been the additions of former Bradley players.
Guys like Denzel Perryman, Yannick Ngakoue, Casey Heyward, and others have transformed this defense while rookies like Treyvon Moehrig, Nate Hobbs, and Divine Deablo have continued to improve and will push the defense into another gear next season.
Raiders defense finally turning the corner
For the better part of 20 years, the Raiders have been one of the worst defenses in the NFL. Slow linebackers, poor pass rush, and grabby defensive backs have hindered poor schemes and bad coaching. Bradley has changed that for the Raiders.
Their defense is now a strength.
After allowing only 158 total yards, including just 18 rushing yards, this Bradley defense is peaking at the perfect time. The team thought new additions would help, but not overhaul a defense, however, these new pieces have sparked energy unseen before.
There was pessimism surrounding the run defense for weeks but it seems like Bradley has figured that out after holding Nick Chubb, Javonte Williams, and Melvin Gordon in check. Couple a stingy run defense with an elite pass rush and solid coverage scheme and the Raiders defense might be able to carry them to the playoffs.
The original thought was that if the Raiders’ defense can simply be opportunistic and force some stops, the high-flying offense led by Jon Gruden, Derek Carr, and Henry Ruggs would lead the way. However, the offense has been poor since Ruggs’ departure for a tragic accident.
Now the Raiders’ offense simply needs to avoid turnovers and put some points on the board. If Carr can limit mistakes and move the football with Josh Jacobs, Darren Waller, and Hunter Renfrow, this defense has what it takes. The massive turnaround of this defense means that whoever is the head coach of the Raiders next season should bring back Gus Bradley.
Bradley’s head coaching track record may be poor, but he is clearly an elite coordinator who has turned one of the worst defense runs in history, into the strength of the team. The real shame is the Raiders never got to put the elite offense with this defense, nor did the team get to see Nicholas Morrow and a healthy Trayvon Mullen with this team.