Oakland Raiders: Defensive line in spotlight vs. Patriots offensive line
In Week 11 against the New England Patriots, it’s time for the Oakland Raiders young talent across the defensive line to play up to rising expectations.
Between the 2015 and 2017 drafts, the Oakland Raiders selected four defensive linemen in the first, second or third rounds. After signing with the team as an undrafted free agent in 2014, Denico Autry developed into a consistent contributor. Rookie seventh-rounder Treyvon Hester has played 233 snaps this year.
It’s about time the Raiders reap full benefits from their investments on the defensive line. The New England Patriots have already ruled out right tackle Marcus Cannon and center David Andrews for Sunday’s game.
Quarterback Tom Brady should feel uncomfortable behind replacements in his pass protection against what’s supposed to become a promising front line.
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Through nine contests, we haven’t seen Oakland’s defensive front show enough flashes as a unit with a bright future. At a time when the injury bug ravaged the secondary, the pass rush and run defense must play on another level.
Yet, the Silver and Black have allowed five out nine opponents to run for 100 or more yards. A healthy Mario Edwards Jr. plus Jihad Ward growing into his role and added pieces in middle should’ve remedied a passive defensive front. On the bright side, the Raiders have only surrendered 100-plus rushing yards to one team in the last four outings.
Nonetheless, it’s likely cornerback David Amerson sits out with a foot injury. Sean Smith, who’s battled inconsistencies throughout his tenure with the team and Dexter McDonald in his first year taking significant snaps, have to cover against Brady’s accurate arm.
Defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. should have Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin rushing off the edge to complement the young nucleus in the middle to slow Brady down in the pocket. If the Patriots signal-caller resorts to short passes to neutralize the pass rush, the linebackers have to finish plays with clean tackles.
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Most importantly, Brady shouldn’t have ample time in the pocket to pick apart a decimated pass defense that’s allowing 10.7 yards per completion. Zero interceptions halfway through the season should indicate the lack of playmaking ability on the back end. The coaching staff can’t expect to come up with timely takeaways without pressuring Brady.
As mentioned, the Patriots will shuffle bodies across the offensive line to protect their stationary 40-year-old passer. Whether it’s Mack and Irvin wreaking havoc off the edge or Eddie Vanderdoes and Edwards on the interior, putting hands on Brady leads all objectives on defense.
Hester should take the field more than usual as an asset who created a track record as a pass-rusher at Toledo. Unfortunately, Ward hasn’t seen the field since Week 4. Hybrid defensive lineman Shilique Calhoun has been active in the last four contests, but he’s yet to play more than 11 snaps in a game.
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As for the other high draft picks across the defensive line and consistent contributors, it’s a game that could help swing the entire defense in the right direction for the remainder of the season.