Evaluating Raiders' Defense at the Bye Week

The Las Vegas Raiders' defense has performed quite well as they head into the bye week.

The Las Vegas Raiders head into the bye week at 5-7 and are on the outside looking in when it comes to the AFC playoff race.

The Raiders moved on from Coach Josh McDaniels and General Manager Dave Ziegler, promoting Antonio Pierce to interim coach and Champ Kelly to interim general manager.

Since then, the Raiders have played inspired football for Pierce. They are 2-2 and have shown improvement on both sides of the ball.

Defensively, the Raiders have been impressive. All three levels of the defense have worked together to play complementary football, and it has shown through good performances week after week.

Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham has done an excellent job with this unit despite the Raiders being ranked 20th in total defense. They rank 11th in passing yards per game, 27th in rushing yards per game and 11th in points per game.

For a team with a few stars but not too many household names, the Raiders’ defense has been the side of the ball where they have been most impressive. Their hard-nosed, competitive nature has kept them in games this season.

Defensive end Maxx Crosby has been excellent yet again this season. He has 65 total tackles, 14 tackles for losses, a forced fumble and 11.5 sacks -- only one off his total of 12.5 last season. 

Crosby has again made himself a Defensive Player of the Year candidate with several big-time plays.

The Raiders have been impressive on the interior as well. Defensive tackle John Jenkins has been one of the best players on the entire defense, with 47 total tackles, three tackles for losses and a sack.

The Las Vegas Raiders have out-performed expectations defensively this season / Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Despite the Raiders ranking low against the run, their defensive line is still getting after it on every snap. However, they would like to see more from their 2023 first-round selection, defensive end Tyree Wilson.

The Raiders hit a home run in free agency when they brought in linebacker Robert Spillane, who has career-highs in total tackles, tackles for losses, sacks and interceptions through only 11 games.

Linebacker Divine Deablo has had a good season when healthy, with 70 total tackles. His athleticism has been a difference-maker for the Raiders’ defense. Linebacker Luke Masterson has played well when he is on the field as well.

In the secondary, the Raiders would like to get more out of former All-Pro cornerback Marcus Peters, who has struggled in his first season with the Silver and Black. He has had good moments, but they have not come as consistently as the Raiders would have liked when they signed him.

Since coming off of the practice squad, cornerbackTyler Hall has played well, and cornerback Nate Hobbs has shown he can be crucial for the team’s future with excellent play this season. The Raiders are hoping rookie cornerback Jakorian Bennett can find some consistency because he has also had good moments.

The safeties, Tre’von Moehrig and Marcus Epps, have also had good seasons, Moehrig bouncing back from a rough second season and Epps showing up in his debut season in Las Vegas.

If the Raiders want to keep their season alive, they need to continue playing the way they have been playing and improve in some areas. Finding consistency in the secondary and finding a pass rusher opposite Crosby are the keys to this defense turning the season around.

The Silver and Black will return home to Allegiant Stadium to take on the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, December 10, at 4:05 p.m. EST/1:05 p.m. PST.

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