Raiders' Defense Must Fix Missed Tackles and Limit YAC

The Las Vegas Raiders' defense ranks ninth in the league in rushing yards allowed per game. However, last week they gave up nearly 200 rushing yards.

The Las Vegas Raiders' defense ranks ninth in the National Football League in rushing yards, with 129 allowed per game. 

However, last Sunday against the Chicago Bears, the Silver and Black gave up almost 200 yards rushing to an offense they knew would run the ball with a rookie quarterback in his first career start. 

The Detroit Lions will likely attempt to run the ball similarly on Monday Night. 

The Raiders will have to find a way to fix their tackling issues this week in practice. 

Running back David Montgomery of the Lions, listed as questionable this week, ranks fifth in missed tackles forced and ninth in yards after contact among those with at least 500 carries in the last four seasons. 

“Go into practice, when we start practicing tomorrow, just in terms of angles, closing the angles, getting under control, wrapping up, basic fundamentals, and just practice it a lot because we have to deal with it this week with Detroit," Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham said.

"[The Detroit Lions have] a lot of skilled players who are dynamic. I think they might lead the league in yards after contact and yards after catch, whatever it is. So, we've got our work cut out.”

The Raiders must limit the Detroit Lions to minimal Yards After Contact / © Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

In NFL practices, tackling is held to a minimum because of league rules, making it more challenging to practice tackling at full NFL speed. 

"Well, all 32 teams are dealing with the same situation," Graham said. "So, the point of us as coaches is to be able to adapt to the rules and what we've got to get done during practice and the process in terms of how we do that.

"And the process, we practice the drills we do, we practice our angles when we get the team periods, and practice together as a team so nobody is getting hurt. But that's the main thing.” 

The Raiders must first stop the run against the Lions on Monday night; if they don't it will leave them vulnerable to a Detroit offense eager to put on a show in their first home prime-time game in five years.

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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