Las Vegas Raiders' Defense Emphasizing Third Down Stops

The Las Vegas Raiders' defense failed to get key stops on third down last week against the Chicago Bears. They can't afford to do that against the Detroit Lions.

On Sunday, the Las Vegas Raiders' defense did a poor job of stopping the opposing offense from converting third downs. The Silver and Black allowed the Chicago Bears to convert on 62 percent of their third downs. 

The Raiders' defense allowed the Bears to repeatedly convert on crucial third downs, including a third-and-five the Bears converted to go up by 18 points in the third quarter.

Third down is a key play for every team's defense. It is a stat every coach takes into consideration. Few stats can tell the story of a game, like a third-down conversion rate. 

A few extra third-down stops can make a big difference in a game. Heading into this week of practice, Las Vegas is focused on improving on third down.

“Third down is important for every defense," Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham said. "You're trying to minimize the amount of opportunities they have to score, so you've got to get off the field on third down.

"I mean, it's not unique to us. So, it's very important.” 

Third down is not unique to the Raiders' defense, but third down is especially important for a defense not made to be on the field for an extended time. 

The Las Vegas Raiders' defense must win the third-down battle against the Detroit Lions / Darrell Craig Harris, Raiders Today

The Detroit Lions' defense ranks in the top half of the National Football League in third down conversion rate. They will certainly try to recreate what the Bears did last week with timely third-down conversions, extending drives, and keeping the Raiders' defense off balance. 

With the Raiders playing on the road in front of what is sure to be an electric crowd, the importance of third down cannot be understated. Las Vegas' defense winning the third down battle could help make the crowd less of a factor in the game. 

The Silver and Black need more possessions than any team in the league. While getting off the field on third down is vital for every defense, it is essential for a team that ranks last in the NFL in turnover differential. 

The Silver and Black will stay on the road to take on the Detroit Lions on Monday night, Oct. 30, at 8:15 p.m. EDT/5:15 p.m. PDT.

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