Oakland Raiders: 2018 Season over-under predictions
Raiders Defense: Over/Under 16th in Points Allowed
Gruden made a crucial hire at the defensive coordinator position. The Raiders desperately need to solve leaks on the back end. They haven’t ranked in the top half of the league in yards or points allowed since the 2010 campaign, placing 11th in yardage surrendered that year.
In the same position with the Cincinnati Bengals, Paul Guenther’s defenses have ranked top-10 in points allowed in two out of four seasons. On the flip side, his units have given up yards along the way, listing 17th or worse in three out of four seasons.
In its current state, Oakland’s defense will field several new starters at linebacker and in the secondary. As with any coaching staff, it takes time to figure out what works then make the necessary tweaks to mesh players and scheme.
The Raiders cornerback unit boasts a lot of potential, but there’s much to prove on the field between Gareon Conley and Rashaan Melvin.
Can Tahir Whitehead bring stability at linebacker? Does Derrick Johnson, who goes into his age-36 season, have the legs to cover ground in the middle? Can Nicholas Morrow take the next step in his development on the weak side?
How much does Reggie Nelson play at safety if at all? How will Guenther utilize Karl Joseph? Gruden talked about the 2016 first-rounder’s stature as challenge when defending the passing attack, per The Athletic’s Vic Tafur. “He’s going to have to be isolated on them again in certain coverages against certain formations…We’re not going to change genetics. There’s going to be times where he’s in a tough matchup. That’s just the way it’s going to be.”
There’s still mystery around safety Obi Melifonwu‘s capabilities because of his lengthy recovery from knee and hip surgeries over the past year.
Right now, Guenther holds a huge mold of clay that represents the defense. With all the questions presented above, give him at least another season to significantly improve on point resistance.
Projection: Under