Oakland Raiders: John Pagano’s play-calling litmus test
Did Oakland Raiders defensive play-caller John Pagano finally put the defense on the right track or take advantage of poor offenses?
Is it John Pagano or poor offenses? That’s what it comes down to when looking at the Oakland Raiders‘ last two wins. In those victories, the defense gave up the fewest number of yards during a game in the 2017 campaign.
Coincidently, Pagano took over play-calling duties at an opportune time to install his schemes. The Denver Broncos and New York Giants field inept offensive attacks. In both contests, the Raiders feasted on quarterbacks who didn’t start in the previous game.
As a result, some analysts take Pagano’s effect with a grain of salt. On Sunday, the competition level increases in difficulty. Despite the Kansas City Chiefs struggle to win games, the offense scored the most points (31) in the previous outing since Week 7 against the Raiders in which Ken Norton Jr.’s defense allowed 30 on the scoreboard.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid delegated play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Matt Nagy. Clearly, it worked in terms of production, but Kansas City surrendered 38 points and still lost the game.
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Alex Smith isn’t an inexperienced or journeyman quarterback. Furthermore, he’s put together near flawless performances against the Raiders defense. Wideout Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce have been thorns in Oakland’s side in recent games. If running back Kareem Hunt looks like the player from Weeks 1-5, Pagano will have his hands full at Arrowhead Stadium where the team hasn’t won since 2012.
It’s the first real test for the Raiders front seven. After logging eight sacks in the previous two outings, how many times will the unit bring down a mobile quarterback who’s comfortable with the short passing attack?
Under Norton, the Raiders defense accumulated a combined eight sacks between the New York Jets and first Broncos games. Oakland fields a pass rush that’s able to take advantage of weaker offensive lines. However, when the competition ramps up, can the players adjust to stiffer competition?
It’s imperative for Pagano to address secondary issues with Hill burning defenders downfield in his second season. When asked about how to stop the speedster, the defensive assistant offered a tongue-in-cheek answer during Thursday’s media press conference:
John Pagano, Raiders’ assistant HC-defense, on how to defend Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill: “Pray. Pray a lot. He’s fast. ...He’s a true game wrecker.”
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) December 7, 2017
Of course, it takes more than prayer and a little football savvy to defend a playmaker. It’s no secret what Hill brings to the table. Yet, the Raiders have been unsuccessful at limiting big plays with their personnel. He’s registered 14 catches for 211 yards and two touchdowns plus a punt return for a score in his career against Oakland. But, they know he’s coming with blazing speed in each and every meeting.
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The chess match between Pagano and Nagy will ultimately decide the winner in this contest. Both teams could potentially score points in bunches against subpar defenses. However, can the Chiefs sustain the previous week’s offensive success? Will Pagano make the necessary defensive adjustments to keep the damage to a minimum?
We’re about to find out whether the Raiders feasted on the weak or maybe it’s time to take stock in the Pagano effect.