Moment of Truth: Raiders Defense Waking Up

With four weeks remaining in the season, the fate of the Oakland Raiders lies in their own hands. At 6-6, Oakland sits tied for first in the AFC West. Also, in good position to steal a Wild Card spot. On both sides of the ball, the Raiders are slowly but surely getting it together. However, in an unexpected twist, the defense is carrying this team forward.

Schedule & Game Results Table
										Scor	Scor	Defe	Defe	Defe	Defe	Defe
Week	Day	Date				OT	Rec		Opp	Tm	Opp	1stD	TotYd	PassY	RushY	TO
1	Sun	September 10	1:00PM ET	boxscore	W		1-0	@	Tennessee Titans	26	16	21	350	255	95
2	Sun	September 17	4:05PM ET	boxscore	W		2-0		New York Jets	45	20	17	271	145	126	2
3	Sun	September 24	8:30PM ET	boxscore	L		2-1	@	Washington Redskins	10	27	18	472	356	116	2
4	Sun	October 1	4:25PM ET	boxscore	L		2-2	@	Denver Broncos	10	16	16	298	155	143
5	Sun	October 8	4:05PM ET	boxscore	L		2-3		Baltimore Ravens	17	30	19	365	222	143
6	Sun	October 15	4:25PM ET	boxscore	L		2-4		Los Angeles Chargers	16	17	20	343	263	80	1
7	Thu	October 19	8:25PM ET	boxscore	W		3-4		Kansas City Chiefs	31	30	19	425	331	94
8	Sun	October 29	1:00PM ET	boxscore	L		3-5	@	Buffalo Bills	14	34	17	331	165	166
9	Sun	November 5	8:30PM ET	boxscore	W		4-5	@	Miami Dolphins	27	24	23	395	309	86	1
11	Sun	November 19	4:25PM ET	boxscore	L		4-6		New England Patriots	8	33	25	421	332	89
12	Sun	November 26	4:25PM ET	boxscore	W		5-6		Denver Broncos	21	14	12	216	160	56	1
13	Sun	December 3	4:25PM ET	boxscore	W		6-6		New York Giants	24	17	15	265	200	65	2

Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/6/2017.

Despite a 12-4 record, the Raiders did not execute on defense in 2016. Along with allowing 257.5 passing yards per game (24th), Oakland tallied 25 sacks. These issues seemingly went unaddressed in free agency. As a result, General Manager Reggie McKenzie attempted to rectify via the NFL Draft.

Fast forward to present day, and three of the Raiders top-five picks have struggled with injury, forcing them to miss significant time. Injuries have marred this defense overall, with cornerback David Amerson reduced to six games due to concussion.

Nevertheless, Oakland’s “Bend but don’t break” defense has done their best to put the team in the best position to win. Despite being a mix of underdeveloped talent (Dexter McDonald; Eddie Vanderdoes) and players beyond their prime (Reggie Nelson), Oakland is making the best of a bad situation.

Currently, allowing 104.9 rushing yards per game (11th), and 70 yards per game over their last three games. Even with limited help in the secondary, they have risen to No. 23 as a passing defense, allowing 241.1 yards through the air per contest. In terms of scoring, Oakland is allowing 23.2 points per game (16th) and 21.3 over their last three contests. Sitting at 22 sacks on the season (25th), Oakland is still not creating enough pressure. Yet, the resurgence of Bruce Irvin and the increased production Autry, Edwards Jr., and Hester helps.

While many look at the Raiders’ schedule, citing weak opponents like the Giants and Broncos, this same defense allowed the Bills to hang 34 points. Oakland allowed below-average quarterbacks to dice them all season. For example, Jay Cutler threw for 311 yards.

Nevertheless, with playoff implications on the line, a below-average defense is giving it all that they have.

[