What I Learned From Raiders OTAs Part One

To win in the National Football League, or at any level of organized football, it comes down to the line of scrimmage, and the Las Vegas Raiders are loaded at defensive tackle.
What I Learned From Raiders OTAs Part One
What I Learned From Raiders OTAs Part One /

HENDERSON, Nev.  We are three months from the start of meaningful football, but after observing OTAs, I came away with several thoughts, and today I offer you part one.  

The defensive line of the Silver and Black is loaded.

The National Football League is where teams must fight tooth and nail to come out on top, with competition at an all-time high. 

An excellent, deep defensive line is critical for any team hoping to succeed on the field and capture the championship title. 

You can catch out the entire podcast of what I learned from OTAs part one below:

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Without a strong defensive line, opponents can run roughshod over a team's defense, with its offensive line, and leave the other side physically demoralized, losing, and seeing their expectations fade quickly.

How many times in the recent past have we seen a Raiders defense attacked in the middle with a running attack that the Silver and Black could do nothing about?

A deep defensive line can bring various advantages, from allowing the team to rest players throughout the game to maintain high intensity and energy. A strong defensive line can quickly shut down the opposing team's running game, limit passing yards, and cause turnovers, all of which can lead to victory. 

In light of this, the Raiders have invested significant resources in building a robust defensive line, emphasizing the importance of this aspect of the game. Moreover, a deep defensive line can help the team sustain injuries that could weaken the team's core players. The significance of a defensive line cannot be overstated, and without it, a team's chances of success can be significantly diminished.

A strong defensive line is crucial in winning in the National Football League. The defensive line stops the opposing team's offense and prevents them from scoring points. Successful teams with formidable defensive lines have been able to dominate their opponents.

 The Philadelphia Eagles of the '80s had one of history's most underrated defensive lines. Reggie White, Jerome Brown, Clyde Simmons, and Mike Golic combined for 18 Pro Bowl selections. Their defensive line was responsible for stopping the run and rushing the quarterback, making them a force to be reckoned with.

The Raiders have Chandler Jones, who didn't have his best season in 2022 but is still Chandler Jones.  Maxx Crosby is the best in the NFL, with highly sought-after rookie Tyree Wilson on the outside and many young players and free agents on the inside.

While certainly not the Eagles of the 1980s, you can see a framework of what Dave Ziegler and Josh McDaniel are trying to build.

The Raiders' offseason workout schedule is as follows:

OTA Offseason workouts: May 31-June 2, June 12-15

Mandatory Minicamp: June 6-8

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Hondo Carpenter
HONDO CARPENTER

Hondo S. Carpenter Sr. is an award-winning sports journalist who brings decades of experience to his role as editor and publisher, and beat writer for our Las Vegas Raiders and the NFL coverage. Carpenter is a member of the PFWA, FWAA, and USBWA.