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Oakland Raiders: 2018 Season over-under predictions

By Maurice Moton

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 18: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders motions for a first down to an official after his run during the fourth quarter of a 19-16 win over the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 18, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 18: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders motions for a first down to an official after his run during the fourth quarter of a 19-16 win over the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 18, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 13: Khalil Mack #52 of the Oakland Raiders looks on during the second half of their NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at O.co Coliseum on September 13, 2015 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 13: Khalil Mack #52 of the Oakland Raiders looks on during the second half of their NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at O.co Coliseum on September 13, 2015 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Raiders Defense: Over/Under 40 Sacks

Here’s where the Raiders defense should take leaps and bounds. In two of the last three seasons, Guenther’s units have eclipsed 40 sacks with multiple pass-rushing assets across the front. Defensive end Carlos Dunlap and defensive tackle Geno Atkins led the charge. Michael Johnson and, most recently, Carl Lawson made their presence felt off the edge as well.

Oakland made a concerted effort to bolster the defensive line with pass-rushing talent. Guenther probably drooled uncontrollably when looking at the sack potential on the roster.

Second-rounder P.J. Hall finished his FCS career at Sam Houston State with 42 sacks. Maurice Hurst comes into the league as a prototypical pocket penetrator at the 3-technique defensive tackle position. He logged 10.5 sacks over his past two seasons at Michigan. LSU product Arden Key’s breakout sophomore year with 11 sacks illustrated his ability to reach the quarterback. By the way, Bruce Irvin will move to defensive end, and he’s looking for a 10-sack season — still hungry at 30 years old:

We went through an influx of talent across the defensive line, but it’s Khalil Mack who puts this unit over 40 sacks. The two-time All-Pro has logged 36.5 over the past three campaigns. It’s unnerving to see him away from practices due to a contract dispute, but the team recognizes his value. Once he’s back on the field, the Raiders will have one of the best pass-rushing fronts in the league ready to wreak havoc.

Projection: Over

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