Raiders’ long-needed defensive overhaul will take time and ‘more than one draft’
1 year, 8 months ago

Raiders’ long-needed defensive overhaul will take time and ‘more than one draft’

New York Times  

The Raiders’ defense is in rough shape. They could still theoretically re-sign cornerback Rock Ya-Sin, who started nine games during an injury-plagued season last year and is available on the open market, but that feels unlikely given the additions of Facyson, Duke Shelley and David Long Jr. It’s not exactly an exciting group of additions, and it’s fair to say the Raiders still need help at all three levels of the defense as the focus turns toward the NFL Draft later this month. After getting aggressive last offseason to acquire receiver Davante Adams, edge rusher Chandler Jones, defensive lineman Bilal Nichols and others only to finish 6-11, they’ve taken a much more metered approach to free agency this time around. “We can’t think that free agency is going to fix all our issues,” McDaniels told The Athletic last week. But there was some intentionality to that.” The Raiders need to add an influx of talent beyond star edge rusher Maxx Crosby if Patrick Graham’s defense is going to improve.

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History of this topic

How did the Raiders roster get so bad? A series of unfortunate events
1 month ago

How did the Raiders roster get so bad? A series of unfortunate events

New York Times  

As the losses pile up, the buzzword around the Las Vegas Raiders the last couple of weeks has been communication. As in, the 2-8 Raiders don’t have as much talent as their opponents, a point made abundantly clear during this six-game losing streak, thanks to a bad job of roster-building the last couple of years. The team had one big …

Raiders head into bye with 3 new coaches and plenty to think about before their season resumes
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Raiders head into bye with 3 new coaches and plenty to think about before their season resumes

Associated Press  

HENDERSON, Nev. — Anybody can be replaced. They say ‘Not For Long.’ So, never get complacent.” The Raiders head into their bye week mired in a five-game losing skid and with plenty to fix under first-year coach Antonio Pierce. We’ve got to do what’s best and gives us the best opportunity to win, whatever that may be.” He took the …

Five Raiders predictions at NFL midseason: Antonio Pierce will earn a second season
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Five Raiders predictions at NFL midseason: Antonio Pierce will earn a second season

New York Times  

HENDERSON, Nev. — Well, it didn’t take a shiny crystal ball to see that Luke Getsy would be a victim of the “bye week” or that the Las Vegas Raiders would stand pat at Tuesday’s trade deadline. But the Raiders fired offensive line coach James Cregg this week, and the thinking is that they’ll move away from the wide zone …

The Raiders’ problems on offense go beyond Luke Getsy’s play-calling
2 months, 4 weeks ago

The Raiders’ problems on offense go beyond Luke Getsy’s play-calling

Associated Press  

HENDERSON, Nev. — The boos began in the first quarter Sunday, when back-to-back inside runs by Zamir White didn’t sit well with Raiders fans who wanted to see more imaginative play-calling. There’s a reason why expectations were low for the Raiders entering the season, and last week’s victory at Baltimore created a temporary amnesia that maybe Las Vegas could make …

Raiders need to improve run defense as they prepare for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens
3 months, 1 week ago

Raiders need to improve run defense as they prepare for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens

Associated Press  

HENDERSON, Nev. — The hints were there in the preseason that the Raiders might struggle to defend the run, and coach Antonio Pierce let his feelings be known that it had to be cleaned up. “That’s what keeps you humble in this game,” Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins said. That’s just how the game goes.” Now the Raiders go to …

Antonio Pierce has concerns as the Raiders turn their attention to cut-down day
3 months, 4 weeks ago

Antonio Pierce has concerns as the Raiders turn their attention to cut-down day

Associated Press  

HENDERSON, Nev. — Antonio Pierce, the usually talkative Raiders coach, sometimes speaks loudest when using the fewest words. “I think it’s still a work in progress,” Pierce said. That could be said for Las Vegas’ roster as a whole as Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco work together to reduce it to 53 players by 4 p.m. EDT Tuesday. It’s …

Raiders hope defensive lapses in first 2 preseason games aren’t a sign of what’s to come
4 months ago

Raiders hope defensive lapses in first 2 preseason games aren’t a sign of what’s to come

Associated Press  

HENDERSON, Nev. — The Raiders put a top-10 scoring defense on the field last season, added star tackle Christian Wilkins to the lineup and then dominated the Las Vegas offense in the early days of training camp. Add in end Malcolm Koonce and tackle John Jenkins, and the Raiders could build on a scoring defense that was ninth last season, …

Raiders QB competition is tight entering preseason game at Minnesota
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Raiders QB competition is tight entering preseason game at Minnesota

Associated Press  

Raiders coach Antonio Pierce hopes to finally take a major step forward Saturday in picking the starting quarterback when Las Vegas opens its preseason at Minnesota. Pierce said a decision will be made later this week whether incumbent Aidan O’Connell or free agent signee Gardner Minshew would start, but each player will receive a quarter’s worth of action. Pierce has …

After passing on QBs in the draft, the Raiders will stick with Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell
7 months, 3 weeks ago

After passing on QBs in the draft, the Raiders will stick with Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell

Associated Press  

HENDERSON, Nev. — When six quarterbacks went off the NFL draft board in the first 12 picks Thursday and Las Vegas hadn’t traded up to become one of those clubs, it was clear the Raiders already had the QBs they plan to take into next season. Free agent signee Gardner Minshew and returning starter Aidan O’Connell will compete for the …

Las Vegas Raiders NFL Draft picks 2024: Grades, fits and scouting reports
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Las Vegas Raiders NFL Draft picks 2024: Grades, fits and scouting reports

New York Times  

The Las Vegas Raiders entered the 2024 NFL Draft on April 25 with eight picks over the three-day draft. NFL Draft 2024 tracker: Live blog, picks and analysis Big board best available: Who’s left from Dane Brugler’s Top 300? Tashan Reed’s analysis Raiders draft Brock Bowers: How he fits, pick grade and scouting intel Grade: B+ GO DEEPER NFL Draft …

Raiders defense playing much better than expected with youngsters, little-known veterans
1 year, 1 month ago

Raiders defense playing much better than expected with youngsters, little-known veterans

New York Times  

HENDERSON, Nev. — Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel was confused. The leader of an offense that entered Sunday’s contest against the Las Vegas Raiders first in scoring, total yards and offensive EPA per game couldn’t figure out what the opposing defense was throwing his way. The Raiders defense was awful last season, and it appeared in the offseason as if …

The Raiders’ offense is broken, and Josh McDaniels needs to do something about it ASAP
1 year, 1 month ago

The Raiders’ offense is broken, and Josh McDaniels needs to do something about it ASAP

New York Times  

DETROIT — The Las Vegas Raiders’ offense is broken. “I truly don’t.” Davante Adams was visibly frustrated on the Raiders bench. That’s on us.” The Raiders’ offense only scored seven points — it doesn’t get credit for cornerback Marcus Peters’ third-quarter pick six — and managed just 157 total yards. “It’s not hard to maintain the confidence in our offense,” …

Raiders hope defense is finally on right path, still in search of season’s first turnover
1 year, 2 months ago

Raiders hope defense is finally on right path, still in search of season’s first turnover

New York Times  

Hopefully, the football gods aren’t busy Sunday. “It’s very frustrating,” cornerback Nate Hobbs said Sunday, “but the football gods, they’re going to repay you. Because good things come to teams that … “Always trust the process,” defensive coordinator Patrick Graham said Tuesday of what his defense can do until that wave comes. “The one thing for Tyree,” Graham said, “ …

Raiders’ defensive line disappoints as Josh Allen, Bills dominate in tough loss
1 year, 3 months ago

Raiders’ defensive line disappoints as Josh Allen, Bills dominate in tough loss

New York Times  

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — There was plenty of optimism about the Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive line coming into the season. Going against a mediocre Buffalo offensive line that gave up five sacks and only managed 97 rushing yards against the New York Jets last week, the Raiders’ front was neutralized in all facets. Point blank, period.” The way the Raiders’ …

Patrick Graham leaning on patience to get more out of Raiders’ defense in Year 2
1 year, 4 months ago

Patrick Graham leaning on patience to get more out of Raiders’ defense in Year 2

New York Times  

HENDERSON, Nev. — The Raiders’ defense was miserable in all facets last season. “It’s real football now in terms of just getting ready for the season.” The projected starting defensive line is the same as it was last year: edge rusher Maxx Crosby, defensive tackle Bilal Nichols, defensive tackle Jerry Tillery and veteran edge Chandler Jones. You’ve got to stay …

Raiders don’t overreach, emphasize improving defense
1 year, 7 months ago

Raiders don’t overreach, emphasize improving defense

Associated Press  

HENDERSON, Nev. — This time, there was no Clelin Ferrell, Damon Arnette or Alex Leatherwood going much higher than projected in the NFL draft, a sure indication the Jon Gruden/Mike Mayock era genuinely is over for the Las Vegas Raiders. Of the Raiders’ seven first-round picks dating to 2018, only left tackle Kolton Miller and running back Josh Jacobs are …

Ranking the Raiders’ undrafted rookies, led by a pair of offensive linemen
1 year, 7 months ago

Ranking the Raiders’ undrafted rookies, led by a pair of offensive linemen

New York Times  

HENDERSON, Nev. — Undrafted free agents are often brushed aside as insignificant, but that’s a falsehood. Just last year, for example, the Raiders had two UDFAs — linebacker Luke Masterson and cornerback Sam Webb — make the 53-man roster after training camp. McClendon Curtis, OL, Chattanooga Curtis is a 6-5, 324-pound offensive lineman with long arms, impressive strength and versatility …

Las Vegas Raiders NFL Draft picks 2023: Grades, fits and scouting reports
1 year, 7 months ago

Las Vegas Raiders NFL Draft picks 2023: Grades, fits and scouting reports

New York Times  

Follow Monday Night Football as the Detroit Lions face-off against the Las Vegas Raiders. Tashan Reed’s analysis: Raiders draft Tyree Wilson: Las Vegas gets the top edge rusher on its board Scott Dochterman’s grade: B-plus Round 2 No. Vic Tafur’s analysis: Raiders draft Michael Mayer: Big-target tight end will help replace Darren Waller Scott Dochterman’s grade: A Round 3 No. …

Raiders take edge rusher Tyree Wilson at No. 7 in NFL draft
1 year, 7 months ago

Raiders take edge rusher Tyree Wilson at No. 7 in NFL draft

Associated Press  

HENDERSON, Nev. — Even with Maxx Crosby, the Las Vegas Raiders were among the NFL’s worst in getting to the quarterback. The Raiders took what they hope is a major step toward correcting that problem by selecting Texas Tech edge rusher Tyree Wilson with the seventh overall pick of the NFL draft on Thursday night. “I’m excited to join the …

Raiders have needs at QB, offensive line, defense
1 year, 9 months ago

Raiders have needs at QB, offensive line, defense

Associated Press  

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: CB Anthony Averett, OL Alex Bars, OT Jackson Barton, DT Andrew Billings, DE Tashawn Bower, LB Jayon Brown, WR Keelan Cole, G/OT Jermaine Eluemunor, S Matthias Farley, DE Clelin Ferrell, C Hroniss Grasu, S Duron Harmon, WR Mack Hollins, DE Jordan Jenkins, FB Jakob Johnson, CB Sidney Jones, LB Micah Kiser, LB Harvey Langi, …

Raiders defensive line hopes to build on recent progress
2 years ago

Raiders defensive line hopes to build on recent progress

Associated Press  

HENDERSON, Nev. — The signs are starting to show that maybe end Maxx Crosby isn’t the only defensive lineman the Raiders can count on. I think that group has been complemented with Jerry’s presence and what he does, and we’re hopeful that we’re going to continue to get better because we’ve only really been together for a few weeks now.” …

Raiders’ NFL Draft debate: Quarterback of the future or defensive stud?
2 years ago

Raiders’ NFL Draft debate: Quarterback of the future or defensive stud?

New York Times  

Some Raiders fans are happy that their team is winning again. His average annual salary of $40.5 million across the final three years of his deal ranks seventh among quarterbacks, but he’ll likely fall down that list as eligible quarterbacks land bigger deals moving forward. Tafur: Take the best defensive player available I get all the arguments for drafting a …

Analysis: Raiders spared no cost in trimming roster down to 53 players, but they still need some help
3 years, 3 months ago

Analysis: Raiders spared no cost in trimming roster down to 53 players, but they still need some help

New York Times  

The Raiders brass preached about competition all offseason, and even though they didn’t have a lot of starting spots open, they put their money where their mouths are on cutdown day Tuesday. Emmons and Garrett Groshek; receivers Dillon Stoner, DJ Turner and Keelan Doss; tight end Matt Bushman; offensive linemen Lester Cotton Sr., Devery Hamilton, Jaryd Jones-Smith, Jimmy Morrissey and …

Roster reset: What’s next for the Raiders as the dust settles on free agency
3 years, 9 months ago

Roster reset: What’s next for the Raiders as the dust settles on free agency

New York Times  

The Raiders still need a free safety. Let’s reset how much the roster changed in the month of March: Additions: DE Yannick Ngakoue, RB Kenyan Drake, DT Solomon Thomas, WR John Brown, DT Quinton Jefferson, C Nick Martin Returnees: QB Nathan Peterman, DL David Irving, G Richie Incognito, G, Denzelle Good, TE Derek Carrier, RB Theo Riddick, DT Johnathan Hankins, …

A 10-step plan for the Raiders to make the playoffs in 2021
3 years, 9 months ago

A 10-step plan for the Raiders to make the playoffs in 2021

New York Times  

Welcome to no man’s land. The Raiders would love to trade him and hope teams didn’t notice that he didn’t play a snap the last two games when Derek Carr was still clearly banged up. It’s a different level of football, of course, but the Raiders received just 3.5 sacks from every defensive tackle on the roster combined in 2020. …

Raiders look for answers up front: Clelin Ferrell shines and Carl Nassib benched
4 years ago

Raiders look for answers up front: Clelin Ferrell shines and Carl Nassib benched

New York Times  

Follow the watch with your eyes. “I feel like I’ve had a number of good games so far in my career,” Ferrell said after the game. “He’s a hard-nosed, energized, finishing player,” Gruden said Sunday, “and, you know, he’s got a lot of football character that we’re going to lean on also.” Here are some other highlights from Gruden’s Zoom …

Raiders look to clean up inconsistencies to make playoff run
4 years, 1 month ago

Raiders look to clean up inconsistencies to make playoff run

LA Times  

Quarterback Derek Carr congratulates cornerback Trayvon Mullen after the Raiders defense made a stop against the Browns on Sunday in Cleveland. What’s working Quarterback Derek Carr has made the Pro Bowl three times in his six seasons as the starter, but has only led the team to one winning season. What’s not Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Raiders gave …

‘Alpha’ Johnathan Abram leads the way for a young and rising Raiders secondary
4 years, 2 months ago

‘Alpha’ Johnathan Abram leads the way for a young and rising Raiders secondary

New York Times  

In one of the many defensive highlights last Sunday — and who would have thought we would be saying that — safety Johnathan Abram broke up a deep pass for Chiefs receiver Tyreek Hill. Abram said he is just “expressive.” “That why you may see me out there talking more than others,” he said after last Sunday’s game. “Being only …

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