Oakland Raiders: Leadership Shift Supports Playoff Push
Most analysts and fans focus on talent and on-field production, but it’s leadership that will push the Oakland Raiders into the 2016 postseason.
Should Oakland Raiders fans focus on wideout Amari Cooper’s receiving numbers? How about defensive lineman Khalil Mack’s sack total?
Aside from stability at the quarterback position, the Raiders have increased their postseason viability with an established core leadership on the field and in the locker room.
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At the end of the 2015 season, the Raiders lost Charles Woodson and Justin Tuck, who were the veteran leaders and respected voices in the locker room with extensive playoff experience.
In the offseason, the Raiders quietly added and retained veteran leadership on the roster.
Oakland’s plan to push the youth at cornerback fell flat in the previous season. D.J. Hayden, T.J. Carrie and Keith McGill were expected to take significant strides in their second and third seasons with the team.
Unfortunately, they all struggled at different levels. A free-agent pickup, David Amerson, emerged as the best cornerback among the bunch. He’s expected to start in 2016.
What did the Raiders do to counter a lackluster season in pass defense?
The front office signed Sean Smith who stands 6’3”, 218 pounds with eight years of playing experience. He’s expected to lead the younger talent at cornerback in the upcoming season.
Along with guys who are projected to improve their on-field production, head coach Jack Del Rio mentioned Smith as someone who’s embraced a leadership role, via the team’s official website:
"I think the veterans have done a great job stepping up with that leadership part. That’s one the questions we had coming into this offseason, right? Who’s going to replace C-Wood? Who’s going to replace Justin Tuck? And we had guys stepping forward. Khalil Mack and Derek obviously, two guys [who] are stepping forward. Guys like Bruce Irvin. Guys like Sean Smith [and] Rodney [Hudson]. Those guys have been filling that void and doing a great job."
For Carr, as the quarterback, leadership comes with the territory. In Mack’s case, he’s the best defender on the roster and a viable candidate for Defensive Player of the Year.
The Raiders’ decision to sign linebacker Bruce Irvin adds a different type of leader to the group. He’s the guy who’s going to let you know about the spinach caught in between your teeth or toilet paper stuck to your shoe.
Mack discussed Irvin’s outspoken attitude as a positive to local reporters after the ninth organized team activity session, via the team’s official website:
“Bruce is a funny dude. He’s not afraid to say what’s on his mind at any point in time. It’s good to have him in the room,” said Mack.
The Raiders need someone who’s going to tell the next guy about his flaws without sugarcoating the terms. Irvin brings playoff experience, including two Super Bowl appearances and steps into a familiar system. Defensive coordinator Ken Norton served as his linebacker coach with the Seattle Seahawks.
Irvin’s production in between the white lines adds credence to his constructive criticisms and commendations.
Mack, who switched positions in the previous season, continues to reach for his maximum limits as a dominant edge-rusher in the league.
Irvin has witnessed what a winning mentality and a record-book defense looks like in live action. Now, he brings the knowledge into a locker room with budding talent working to put a stamp on the upcoming season.
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The Raiders should rank among the top three teams in sacks in 2016. Carr will probably eclipse 4,000 passing yards. Cooper stands a good chance at hauling in 10 touchdowns.
Nonetheless, pay close attention to how the team responds to adversity in the form of losing games and players to injury. What’s the counter to a physical team willing to punch as hard as the Raiders’ fierce competitors?
During difficult moments, it’s guys like Irvin, Smith and Hudson who will demand extra effort from teammates and bring respect to the logo on the helmet.