Oakland Raiders: Jon Gruden's offseason hits and misses

Oakland Raiders: Jon Gruden’s offseason hits and misses

ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden speaks during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) /

3 of 9

CINCINNATI, OH – SEPTEMBER 14: Carlos Dunlap #96 of the Cincinnati Bengals talks with defensive coordinator Paul Guenther against the Houston Texans during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium on September 14, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Hit: Hiring Defensive Coordinator Paul Guenther

Among the coaches hired, defensive coordinator Paul Guenther stands out as a quality acquisition who could bring some respect back to the Raiders defense.

Skeptics give credit to Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis, who has a background as a respected defensive coordinator with the Baltimore Ravens between the 1996-2001 seasons. Nonetheless, don’t take recognition away from Guenther, who served under him as an assistant between 2013-17.

The Bengals ranked within the top 10 in points allowed in two of the last four seasons and never lower than 16th. Oakland didn’t list any higher than 20th within the category in the same time span.

Supporters have expressed in excitement in seeing the double-A gap blitz in motion, but overall the defense should yield fewer points in the upcoming seasons. As a result, the Raiders have more pathways to win low-scoring games as opposed to relying on shootouts.

As a testimony to Guenther’s expertise, Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap praised him on the way out via Instagram:

Guenther will have key pieces in Bruce Irvin and Khalil Mack in the front seven along with young versatile assets in the secondary. A consistent interior pass-rusher should help push this unit to new heights.

Home/Las Vegas Raiders