Oakland Raiders: 5 Biggest questions entering 2017 training camp
4. Where does the pressure and push come from on the D-line?
Getting called out by Bruce Irvin is a 50/50 thing, so let me tread carefully lest I make it to the less prosperous side.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
Irvin identified the middle of the defensive line as underperforming and encouraging them to pick it up. This team posted 25 sacks last season, good enough for last in the NFL. Khalil Mack and Irvin accounted for 18 of the sacks between the two of them. Stacy McGee added 2.5 sacks, Denico Autry put himself down for 2.5 sacks, James Cowser got a sack and Dan Williams and Shillique Calhoun adding half a sack apiece.
This simply is not good enough. A myriad of factors could be cited but quite frankly outside of the stars, nobody else consistently got it done. So general manager Reggie McKenzie chose to make this one of the focal points of his offseason, and drafted two defensive tackles and then signed two more undrafted free agents. The architect of these Raiders added a few other defensive linemen as well.
Judging a football player, let alone a lineman, without pads will provide inconclusive analysis. The fresh crop of talent coming in on paper looks very capable. But they have to show it in training camp, where they will get their “Hello, rookie” moments against arguably the best offensive line in football.