Already Improved, Raiders' Defense Continues to Grow

The Las Vegas Raiders defense has played well for most of the season and looks to continue gelling over the last three weeks of the regular season.

The Las Vegas Raiders are coming off of one of the most interesting two-game stretches any team in the National Football League has had all season. 

Las Vegas went from scoring zero points against the Minnesota Vikings to scoring over 60 points only four few days later against the Los Angeles Chargers.

While the respective games against those teams and the results varied greatly, one thing that remained consistent was the respectable performance of Las Vegas' defense. 

Raiders Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham spoke about how difficult it is to play each week in the NFL.

"Each week is so different, so again, the main objective for us is to keep them from having more points than our offense," Graham said. "So, again, that's how we judge ourselves in terms of how we're doing, so that's the most important thing there. And then we know in this league, each week is different, so the main thing is to try to see what's best to stop this opponent, to minimize their playmakers. 

"Anytime we lose, obviously, that's not the objective. So, is it hard? I hate to lose. So, is it hard? We just learn from the experience. Each experience, each game, is a chance to get better and to grow from it.

The Las Vegas Raiders' defense caused five turnovers against the Los Angeles Chargers / © Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

"Whether you win by 40 or you lose by three, it's always a chance to grow. And we use that tool the best we can. In a shorter week, it's a little bit different. But we use that tool the best we can to see some improvement." 

After containing the Vikings for nearly the entire game and still losing by three, Graham and the Raiders defense refused to let that game get them down. 

Instead, the Silver and Black used the tough loss as a teachable moment to help propel them into another successful outing only a few days later.

"I mean, the biggest thing is any teaching in technique improvement, that's coming from (assistant coaches) Rob Leonard and Matt Edwards," Graham said. "Those are the guys dealing with them day to day, play to play, in and out meetings. And it's also him making a choice.

"My job is to make sure I don't put them in the wrong spot and not mess it up. But I think it's his decision, hard work, and then the coaching you receive from Robbie and from Matt." 

After nearly an entire season's worth of improved play, it is time to acknowledge exactly how good of a job Graham and the rest of Las Vegas' coaching staff has done with the defense. 

The Silver and Black will return to action versus their AFC West rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs, on Christmas Day at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Don't miss it on Monday, December 25, at 1 p.m. EST/10 a.m. PST.

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