DTs Were Prominent in Raiders' Defensive Effort Sunday

The Las Vegas Raiders' interior line was a big part of the team's success on defense in the 21-17 victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday.

For the Las Vegas Raiders' defensive line, those on the edge typically get the glory when it comes to taking down the quarterback.

In Sunday's victory over the New England Patriots, though, the interior linemen got in on the action, as defensive tackles John Jenkins and Adam Butler recorded sacks, while defensive tackle Bilal Nichols added half a sack.

With an aggressive group up front Sunday, it allowed for Las Vegas' defense to excel the way it did, as it held the Patriots' offense under 270 total yards.

The Las Vegas Raiders' defensive rise indicates improved play from the defensive tackles / © Stephen R. Sylvanie | 2023 Oct 15

"They [the interior defensive line] did a good job of creating some games and picks for each other," Raiders Coach Josh McDaniels said when he spoke to the media on Monday. "Jerry [Tillery] and Adam [Butler] and Bilal [Nichols], Jenk [John Jenkins], they all showed up to some degree in there. That's super helpful because the guys on the edge get so much attention and so much -- just there's bodies here and there trying to put extra protection. 

"And so, it gives them opportunities inside. And also, whenever there's something in the face of the quarterback, that always makes everybody's life a little easier. So, I thought they were aggressive for four quarters. 

"We didn't expose ourselves and let the quarterback just step up and have nobody there in front of him, so he was throwing seven-on-seven a lot. Those guys have been more and more disciplined as the season has gone on. And they obviously were -- there was some disruption yesterday [Sunday] within that group."

Jenkins' sack Sunday was his first since the 2019 season. Butler increased his career total to 18.0, while Nichols moved up to 13.0.

Nine Raiders have at least half a sack this season, but Pro Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby is still the only team member with more than one, with 5.5 through six games.

The Silver and Black will head on the road to take on the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Oct. 22, at 1:05 p.m. EDT/10:05 a.m. PDT.

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