Raiders: 3 defensive players who have been crucial down the stretch

Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; A Las Vegas Raiders helmet sits on an equipment trunk against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; A Las Vegas Raiders helmet sits on an equipment trunk against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (2) is wrapped up by Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) as he rushes for a first down Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, during a game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (2) is wrapped up by Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) as he rushes for a first down Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, during a game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

The Raiders are on a three-game winning streak and here are 3 players on defense that have been crucial to the turnaround after a 6-7 start

The Las Vegas Raiders defense was embarrassed in a blowout loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 14 but they have bounced back in tremendous fashion during the team’s three-game winning streak. They have effectively shut down three offenses in a row, allowing 5 touchdowns in 3 weeks with one coming after an interception return to the goal line and another on one of the luckiest plays you’ll ever see.

Skeptics may say that the team has gotten lucky in playing two backup QBs and a QB in Carson Wentz that was not able to practice leading up to the game but as the saying goes, you can only play the teams they put in front of you. All teams have had to deal with injuries and COVID issues including of course the Raiders but they have been able to persevere and survive until Week 18.

The defense will be tested like they have not been in several weeks against a Los Angeles Chargers offense that is among the best in the NFL but they did a solid job against them in the second half of their Week 4 matchup.

Las Vegas will also have the added benefit of playing LA at home at Allegiant Stadium and hopefully the crowd shows up to support their team, especially their defense.

Before we look ahead to Week 18 let’s take a beat to appreciate the 3 players on defense that have stood out above the rest during this latest winning streak.

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