3 reasons the Las Vegas Raiders will have the best defense in the AFC West in 2022
By Nick Bailey
3 reasons the Raiders will have the best defense in the AFC West in 2022
The Pass Rush
I had to save the best reason for last. Every team in the AFC West improved their pass-rushing situation, even though the Chiefs are arguable letting Melvin Ingram walk, and only bringing in first round rookie George Karlaftis to replace him.
The Chargers brought in Khalil Mack to pair with Joey Bosa, the Broncos brought in Randy Gregory to pair with Bradley Chubb, and while don’t get me wrong, both are good players, the Raiders added the best player of all those new additions in Chandler Jones.
Jones leads the entire NFL in sacks ever since he joined the Arizona Cardinals in 2016 with 71.5 and is the Cardinals all time leader in sacks. The Las Vegas Raiders already had the best passing rushing duo last season in terms of quarterback pressures with the combination of Maxx Crosby and Yannick Ngakoue, as they combined for 18 total sacks.
One funny thing is Jones and Crosby would’ve combined for almost the exact same amount of sacks last season as well as Jones ended up with 10.5 sacks in 2021 with five of those coming in week one against the Tennessee Titans. With all the talent that was already there and the new additions Crosby might end up being the best edge rusher in the AFC West and it’s being noticed around the league.
Chandler Jones has mentioned several times since he signed that he came to Las Vegas to play with Maxx Crosby and They both were not only attendants of Von Miller’s annual pass rushing camp but both were speakers as well with Crosby explaining his deadly spin move.
The Raiders new pass rush duo will not only cause even more havoc for Quarterbacks in the AFC West, but will be cause for concern for Quarterbacks and offensive coordinators across the league.