Oakland Raiders Preseason: 3 Takeaways vs Rams
By Nick Sparrow
1. Oakland’s Defense Still Has A Lot Work To Do
Giving up a 23-yard touchdown pass less than five minutes into the game is certainly not the start the Raiders were hoping for. Getting boos from the home crowd even more so. For the second game in a row, Oakland’s defense has looked flustered and seems to have a major communication problem. The Raiders gave up two passing touchdowns of 20 yards or more, as well as a goal-line touchdown run by Rams running back Todd Gurley.
Cooper Kupp, a rookie drafted in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Rams, torched the Raiders secondary. Oakland gave up 70 yards and a touchdown to Kupp, who only caught two passes last week as opposed to six on Saturday night.
During the first half of the game the Rams faced six third-down situations and were able to convert five of them. The Raiders defense looked like they simply could not stop the Rams offense, which ranked last in offensive yards and points scored last season.
LaTroy Lewis and Treyvon Hester made some noise last week as they were each able to get two sacks against the Cardinals, but had no such luck on Saturday. Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Khalil Mack was able to get a single sack against the Rams, but otherwise no other player was able to bring down the opposing quarterback or intercept a pass.
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It was a rough night for the Raiders defense as they lost their second game this preseason. Fans are likely hoping that rookies Gareon Conley and Obi Melifonwu are able to play soon. However, after a second rough night, it is beginning to seem that the defense’s problems may go deeper than a simple lack of talent.