Why the Oakland Raiders are Making the NFL Playoffs in 2015

Sep 13, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Aldon Smith (99) is congratulated by teammates after pressuring Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (not pictured) in the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Bengals defeated the Raiders 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

“Aldon Smith and Khalil Mack Will be Lethal”

Khalil Mack is viewed by many as the best player in the 2014 NFL Draft. Browns All Pro Left Tackle, Joe Thomas, called Mack the next Lawrence Taylor. Turn on the film on Mack and it’s amazing how he can dominate other NFL players the way he does. John Harbaugh called Mack a “Game-Wrecker,” and a guy you have to scheme about. Mack is considered one of the best edge defenders in the league and now he has Aldon Smith on his team.

Smith has had some off field issues in his past, but right now with the Raiders he’s staying focused and out of trouble. Nobody knows how long he will be able to stay out of trouble and he may never get into trouble again, but there’s no denying his talent on the field. He reached 30 sacks faster than any player in NFL History and he’s making an impact on the field for the Raiders.

This young Raiders team is starting to figure things out. In the first two weeks of the season the Raiders were unable to grab an early lead and their defense had no sacks. Against Cleveland they jumped ahead early and were able to let their two young pass rushers loose. The Raiders accumulated five sacks against the Browns. Not many teams have edge defenders with the talent that Mack and Smith have. They will only get better as the season continues.

Next: Raiders Have a Top Running Back