Oakland Raiders: John Pagano needs to implement fresh concepts

Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio fired defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr., but will he allow John Pagano to implement his own schemes?

Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio snatched the low-hanging fruit, which appeased many who criticized the defense after an abysmal performance in Mexico City on Sunday.

Del Rio dropped the axe on defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr., per the team’s official website:

"After careful thought, I have made a difficult decision to part ways with Ken Norton, Jr. as defensive coordinator,” said Head Coach Jack Del Rio. “I have the utmost respect for Ken as a person and as a coach, but I feel that moving John Pagano into the play-calling role will best utilize his wealth of experience. I appreciate Ken’s passion and commitment to the Raiders since coming aboard and wish him the best going forward."

Despite quarterback Jay Cutler’s solid play, the Raiders’ win over the Miami Dolphins before the bye week likely delayed the decision. It’s rare that a coach receives a pink slip after a victory.

Then, the New England Patriots completely embarrassed Oakland in Week 11. In an interview with 95.7 The Game’s Damon Bruce, Del Rio seemed bothered when the host grilled him on the issues plaguing the team. You’d have to wonder if the Raiders head coach contemplated firing Norton before going on-air.

Nonetheless, Norton walks out of the door without leading the Raiders defense to anything better than 22nd in yards allowed and 20th in points surrendered:

In Norton’s third season without significant improvements in sight, Del Rio had to drop the hammer or else his job may have been put in jeopardy. Though, the Raiders already prepared for this day.

John Pagano accepted the position as the “Assistant Head Coach – Defense” during the offseason. Essentially, it served as an advisory role to Norton. The former Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator also handled communication in the secondary while on the job.

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Pagano will take over play-calling duties. In order to see changes on defense, Del Rio must allow the new defensive coordinator to apply his schemes.

Oakland’s poor defense isn’t all Norton’s fault. Don’t forget Del Rio’s background as a coordinator. Pagano will likely have to seek the head coach’s approval before adding wrinkles to the game plan. The Raiders won’t breathe in fresh air on that side of the ball if Del Rio muzzles the assistant.

The decision to allow Pagano to freelance may serve the defense well. However, it’s anyone’s guess how the dynamic pans out between the coordinator and head coach.

Here’s what you shouldn’t expect on Sunday against the Denver Broncos, who will start Paxton Lynch, per ESPN’s Dan Graziano. Interceptions won’t start falling from the sky. Safety Obi Melifonwu won’t morph into Kam Chancellor overnight. Safety Reggie Nelson won’t regain the recovery speed to cover wide receivers on deep throws.

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However, Pagano worked well with pass-rushers Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa during the 2016 campaign. Both have continued to wreak havoc together with the Chargers. He served as the defensive coordinator for the in San Diego/Los Angeles and his defenses ranked No. 9 in yards allowed during the 2012 and 2014 seasons.

It’s an optimistic hope that Pagano can inject some energy into an underperforming pass rush. He can potentially implement new methods in pressuring the pocket with Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin.