The same holds true in reverse.
A team that has trouble pressuring opposing quarterbacks or can’t stop the run only magnifies the other problems that are on the defense.
Welcome to the 2020 Las Vegas Raiders.
A year after making significant strides both in the pass rush and run defense, the Raiders have taken multiple steps backward. Through 12 games Las Vegas was tied for 29th in sacks with the Jacksonville Jaguars, while the run defense dropped from eighth in 2019 to 20th, allowing 23 more yards a game than it did a year ago.
The Raiders, of course, see things more optimistically. Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther, who has been under fire for most of the season, argues that the stats are misleading. When it comes to sacks, Guenther says the Raiders have improved their pass rush and are getting a ton of quarterback hurries. Of the run defense, Guenther notes that they’ve only had two real bad games in that department, against the New England Patriots and New York Jets.
The players know better.
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Denne historien er fra January 2021-utgaven av Silver & Black Illustrated.
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‘We have to be a much more detailed football team'
Like so many Raiders fans, coach Jon Gruden found himself searching for answers after the Raiders’ second-half collapse that cost the team a spot in the expanded playoffs.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
Starting Tackle Kolton Miller is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Wanted: Defensive coordinator
The Raiders didn’t wait long to begin their search for a new defensive coordinator, and it’s becoming clear that Jon Gruden has already narrowed his list down.
Raiders' good, bad, ugly
Raiders’ good, bad, ugly
NEWS & NOTES
The Raiders had one of the easier schedules in 2020 and got only eight wins to show for it. Things won’t get any easier in 2021, either.
Looking back at 2020 season
The 2020 season will absolutely be remembered for being one of the strangest and most disappointing in franchise history.
Gruden feeling the heat?
“I know there is a big bull’s-eye on my chest, certainly. If the people want to use that as an incentive, then so be it. I worked for Al Davis in 1998. That was pressure. I was 34 years old. I’ve dealt with pressure before. I don’t really feel pressure. I love the excitement and thrill of competing, and I can’t worry about things I can’t control in that regard. I know people will want to step on me and beat me, and that is just the way this league is.”
From the SILVERANDBLACK.com Message Boards
S&BI continually scans the message boards across Raider Nation to see what Raider fans are talking about now that the 2020 season has ended for the Raiders. We chose some of the better posts and present them here.
Checklist for 2021
Now that the 2020 season has been put to rest for Las Vegas, the Raiders have shifted their focus to what figures to be a busy offseason as they prepare for 2021.
AFC WEST ROUNDUP
The Chargers fired coach Anthony Lynn after four seasons.
