Raiders 2022 offseason: 3 reasons the defense got better on Day 1

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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 10: Linebacker Chandler Jones #55 of the Arizona Cardinals is introduced before the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium on October 10, 2021, in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Raiders 2022 offseason: 3 reasons the defense got better on Day 1

Chandler Jones is elite

Let me keep this part short and sweet. Chandler Jones is good; Really good. In fact, Jones is so good, that he’s recorded double-digit sack totals for the last six years in a row (not including 2020, where he appeared in only 5 games).

Last season, Chandler finished with 10.5 sacks and 6 forced fumbles, despite missing two games. I talk about Ngakoue being a Pro Bowl alternative, but Jones was in. Not only that, in 2019, which was the former Cardinals’ last full season, he was a first-team All-Pro. If that isn’t enough to impress you, this same ’19 season, Jones finished second in the Defensive Player of the Year voting.

The edge rusher’s accolades speak for themselves. He not only has those two first-team All-Pro’s I mentioned a little while ago but has finished top-three in the Defensive Player of the Year race twice.

In his six seasons with Arizona, he also managed to be available for every game four times, with one of the two exceptions being available for 15 of the 17 matchups.

Jones has it all – The talent, the body of work, and for the most part, he’s steadily available. Just a few days ago, the Las Angeles Chargers acquired Khalil Mack in a trade, allowing them to claim the probable best edge-rushing duo in the AFC West. Crosby and Jones have a chance to challenge that.

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