• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • Pro Wrestling
  • MMA
Raiders defensive lineman Denico Autry

Oakland Raiders: Defensive Line Analysis

December 8, 2017
Deshaun Watson NY Jets Jersey

New York Jets: The Case For Deshaun

January 19, 2021
Giants Free-Agency Targets: WR Allen Robinson

Giants Free-Agency Targets: WR Allen Robinson

January 18, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT

Depth, Coaching Keep Chiefs’ Hopes Alive

January 18, 2021
WWE: Three Potential Surprise Entrants for the 2021 Men’s Royal Rumble Match

WWE: Three Potential Surprise Entrants for the 2021 Men’s Royal Rumble Match

January 18, 2021
2021 Raiders Draft Prospect: EDGE Azeez Ojulari

2021 Raiders Draft Profile: EDGE Azeez Ojulari

January 18, 2021
The Good and Bad From the Senators’ Opening Two Games

The Good and Bad From the Senators’ Opening Two Games

January 18, 2021
Same Bad Results to Start Season for “New Look” Sabres

Same Bad Results to Start Season for “New Look” Sabres

January 18, 2021
The Browns Have First Winning Season Since 2007

Browns Season Ends In Heartbreak

January 17, 2021
Brady, Brees Meet For Third Time With NFCCG Trip On The Line

Brady, Brees Meet For Third Time With NFCCG Trip On The Line

January 17, 2021
Are The Mets Bidding Against Themselves with George Springer?

Are The Mets Bidding Against Themselves with George Springer?

January 16, 2021
2020 NFL Divisional Playoffs: The Young and the Ageless

2020 NFL Divisional Playoffs: The Young and the Ageless

January 16, 2021
Ottawa Senators First Game in 310 Days is a Win

Ottawa Senators First Game in 310 Days is a Win

January 16, 2021
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com


Tuesday, January 19, 2021
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home NFL AFC

Oakland Raiders: Defensive Line Analysis

Pete D. Camarillo by Pete D. Camarillo
December 8, 2017
in AFC, AFC West, Las Vegas Raiders
Reading Time: 5min read
0
Raiders defensive lineman Denico Autry
1.5k
SHARES
3.2k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie has invested a few high draft picks into defensive linemen over the past few seasons. He has also found quite a few diamonds in the rough via free agency and late round selections. How is the Raiders defensive line developing in 2017?

When evaluating the defensive line as an entire unit is important to account for individual stats and performers as well as the collective performance of the entire unit. Great defenders show up but defense is a team game that relies on all 11 members of the defense. This is especially true in the front seven where players must react to a number offensive actions in a few split seconds. It is even more critical for the defensive line as they are the first line of defense. Yes, one great player can make a play for the whole unit but they are still beholden to the weaknesses of the players around them.

More FromFPC

Deshaun Watson NY Jets Jersey

New York Jets: The Case For Deshaun

January 19, 2021

Depth, Coaching Keep Chiefs’ Hopes Alive

January 18, 2021

2021 Raiders Draft Profile: EDGE Azeez Ojulari

January 18, 2021

Browns Season Ends In Heartbreak

January 17, 2021

 

Background

Head coach Jack Del Rio is a defensive coordinator by trade he has been a part of three Super Bowl caliber defenses that have included stout and dominate defensive lines. These included Denver, Carolina, Baltimore, and Jacksonville, even if the Jaguars never sniffed the Super Bowl. Many expected he would bring this culture to the Silver and Black.
Despite the Raiders brass, investing high selections in defensive players like Mario Edwards Jr., Jihad Ward, Shilique Calhoun, and Eddie Vanderdoes the group has been largely inconsistent. Edwards Jr. is the only consistent starter of that group.

Otherwise, they have found solid contributors in Denico Autry, James Cowser, Denico Autry, and Treyvon Hester via the later rounds and free agency. Autry has 28 total tackles and 4 sacks for the year, while Edwards has 27 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Justin Ellis has 38 solo tackles and .5 sacks

However, Khalil Mack has been this unit’s brightest star again in 2017. The reigning AP Defensive Player of the Year accounts for 7.5 of the team’s 22.5 sacks. Bruce Irvin is in second with 5.5 sacks. The combo accounts for four forced fumbles too.

As a whole, the Raiders front seven and defensive line is ranked No. 22 in adjusted line yards which is opponent’s adjusted line yards (you can read more here), per Football Outsiders. They are also 27th in adjusted sack rate, which is opposing offensive line’s sack rate versus the Raiders.
Further, they are fourth from the bottom in third down percentage, allow the 17th most points, and allow the 11th highest time of possession. The defense is last in turnover rate too.
Again, these team defensive stats do not fall solely on the defensive line. However, the front line is not exempt from blame either.

 

Strengths

Collectively, the Raiders defensive line has great athletic ability. Their big, bodied tackles like Vanderdoes and Ellis have good agility and quickness for their size. Hybrid interior linemen like Autry and Edwards both rely on good balance, explosiveness, and acceleration. Edges Irvin and Mack are both great athletes for their combination of speed, strength, and athleticism too.

They are toughness is solid. Some players are more aggressive and consistent than others. Mack’s elite toughness really carries the group as he is always executing his assignments versus all levels of competition and double teams. However, the group is able to line up in multiple fronts and execute various stunts. They also find ways to make plays in clutch situations.

Added, the defensive line shows solid play strength by stalemating opponents in the run game and winning one-on-one battles. Ellis is good at anchoring the line while Mack, Autry, and Edwards will visibly knock back defenders with their strength.

Most of the Raiders defensive line also has good upfield burst. Edwards, Mack, Autry, and Irvin all have good ability to get off the ball and attack field.
Mack is the only elite pass rusher on the team as he is able to use great lean, hands and a distinct pass rush plan to knock blockers off balance, corner the QB and finish. Irvin is solid in this category but he does not always have the best plan, hands, or corner ability. Autry and Edwards are solid pass rushers as they are hands and pass rush plans continue to develop.

Versus the run, Ellis and Edwards are good defenders who can diagnose the run, neutralize blocks, and make tackles versus most competition. They have good use of hands to leverage blockers and free up linebackers. They can make the play on the ball carrier too.
Mack is very good in all of these categories. He uses elite play strength to neutralize blocks and elite mental processing speed to react to the play. This gives him elite ability versus the run as he leverages his gap, sheds blockers, and makes tackles.

Generally, the d-line is solid in pursuit. Players like Mack, Vanderdoes, and Edwards have very good motors to work through traffic and show great effort chasing plays that are away from them.

 

 

Weaknesses

The defensive line can visibly wear down in games. This causes them to rely on a heavy rotation of defenders that can be exploited by up-tempo offenses.
The mental processing of this unit is adequate outside of Mack. Vanderdoes, Edwards, and Autry can all play overly aggressive and create seems in the run game or passing lane.

Otherwise, they can also play slow as they often are slow to react to the backfield. They will chase play action fakes and bite on screens.
Versus the run, this group also struggles using their hands to shed defenders and make the play. Good run blockers can also push them back. Vanderdoes and Ellis can let their pads get high too.

This interior group contains adequate and solid pass rushers. They lack the lean and hands to consistently get their blocker off balance and disrupt the pocket. In zone blitzes, the interior group can also be liabilities in coverage.
As for pursuit, this group does not always show the consistent effort and motor to move through traffic or make backside plays.

 

Grade

The Oakland Raiders defensive line collectively earns a C+ grade for their 2017 performance thus far. Before the season, USA Today ranked them as the 22nd unit and PFF ranked them as the 16th unit. They have been in about that range despite the entire defensive unit taking some minor setbacks this season including third down and turnover rate.

 

The defensive line is who we thought they were. They are a young and deep group with inconsistencies but they are growing through experience and rely heavily on Khalil Mack’s dominance.
Nonetheless, it is important to point out the group is playing more inspired since John Pagano took over the defense.

Pagano is blitzing more than Ken Norton Jr. is and he is allowing his players to think less, which is part of the improvement. The unit is also playing with extra motivation since they were largely upset that Norton Jr. was let go midseason.

In Pagano’s first week as DC, the unit only allowed 219 total yards, recorded their first interception of the year, and registered five sacks.
The next week versus the Giants, the edge rushers registered two turnovers after the entire defense had just seven for the entire season. They have eight sacks in two weeks under Pagano after starting the season with 14 in 10 games.
Thus, the defensive line earns the plus part of their grade because they are trending more towards their potential in the brief Pagano era. They are an average group but they can be better with more consistent execution and effort.

Tags: bruce irvindenico autrykhalil mackmario edwardsoakland raidersreggie mckenzie
Share596Tweet373
Previous Post

Ep. 2 – Full Press Rams Podcast

Next Post

2017 Oakland Raiders: Weeks 9-13 Review

Pete D. Camarillo

Pete D. Camarillo

Pete D. Camarillo is currently a Raiders writer for FullPressCoverage and co-host of the weekly Touchdowns and Tangents podcast. Pete enjoys creating content about music, life and West Coast Sports, specifically the NBA and NFL. He has published more than 1,000 articles across various publications including ClutchPoints, SportsOutWest, TheSportsDaily, Fansided and Inquistr. Pete is also currently a full-time media relations professional for Business Wire and he is active in ONA, SPJ, NABJ and AAJA organizations in Los Angeles. The 2015 CSUN Journalism grad volunteers on his Journalism Alumni Association Board of Directors now. His background includes community relations with the L.A. Clippers during the 2014-15 season. studying sports management, football coaching and earning a fellowship for his entrepreneurship ventures. Follow him on Twitter @petecertified.

Next Post
Oakland Raiders running back back Marshawn Lynch

2017 Oakland Raiders: Weeks 9-13 Review

Oakland Raiders wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson

Raiders Week 13: Free Agent/Trades Review

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Chicago Bears: Predictions For Week 6 Matchup against Carolina Panthers

October 14, 2020
Love

Cavs-Warriors Discussed Kevin Love Trade

November 14, 2020
Chicago Bears vs Los Angeles Rams

Chicago Bears: Predictions For Week 7 Matchup Vs. Los Angeles Rams

October 21, 2020
Nov 17, 2018; Athens, GA, USA; Massachusetts Minutemen wide receiver Andy Isabella (5) runs past Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Christopher Smith (29) to score a touchdown after catching a pass during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings Mock Draft 3.0: Post-Combine Edition

8
Chicago White Sox: MLB’s Most Overrated Team Going Into 2020

Chicago White Sox: MLB’s Most Overrated Team Going Into 2020

7
LeBron

LeBron, not Michael, is the Greatest of All Time

5

Depth, Coaching Keep Chiefs’ Hopes Alive

January 18, 2021
WWE: Three Potential Surprise Entrants for the 2021 Men’s Royal Rumble Match

WWE: Three Potential Surprise Entrants for the 2021 Men’s Royal Rumble Match

January 18, 2021
2021 Raiders Draft Prospect: EDGE Azeez Ojulari

2021 Raiders Draft Profile: EDGE Azeez Ojulari

January 18, 2021

A Twitter List by iglen31

FPC Podcasts

  • Ep 58: 2020 Divisional Round Recap
    by Full Press Coverage on January 18, 2021 at 10:53 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV3779638556.mp3
  • Offseason
    by Full Press Coverage on January 18, 2021 at 8:41 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV8416835517.mp3
  • New Podcast! "The Game Talks About Francisco Lindor, DJ LeMahieu, George Springer and More
    by Full Press Coverage on January 18, 2021 at 2:34 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/42991733/thegamelindor.mp3
  • Ep.56: 2021 APDFL Rankings
    by Full Press Coverage on January 18, 2021 at 3:10 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7437401011.mp3
  • Ep 59: Harden To Brooklyn/NFL Playoffs/NHL Season Preview
    by Full Press Coverage on January 16, 2021 at 7:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7358694631.mp3
  • DJ LeMahieu is back, and Corey Kluber is coming to the Bronx!!!
    by Full Press Coverage on January 16, 2021 at 4:01 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7481049719.mp3
  • Ep 46: Santino Marella
    by Full Press Coverage on January 16, 2021 at 3:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV8843915318.mp3
  • Ep 21: The Best Weekend of the Year
    by Full Press Coverage on January 16, 2021 at 12:50 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9554796639.mp3
  • Ep 166: Divisional Round
    by Full Press Coverage on January 16, 2021 at 4:21 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9495604360.mp3
  • Ep.169: Tequila and Triscuits
    by Full Press Coverage on January 16, 2021 at 3:13 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV1539594975.mp3

  • WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: January 18, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on January 19, 2021 at 4:50 am

    WWE Raw Results, Grades & Analysis: January 18, 2021 A.K.A. The One Where Alexa Goes Full Fiend […]

  • WWE: 3 Potential Surprise Entrants for the 2021 Men’s Royal Rumble Match
    by Evan Gomes on January 18, 2021 at 2:00 pm

    Who should be a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble? One of the most fun questions heading into […]

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 46: Santino Marella
    by Evan Gomes on January 16, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

  • AEW Dynamite Recap, Grades, and Opinion: January 13th, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on January 14, 2021 at 4:14 am

    AEW Dynamite Results: January 13, 2021 A.K.A. The One Where It’s New Year’s Smash Night Two […]

  • NXT Results, Grades & Opinion: January 13, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on January 14, 2021 at 3:24 am

    NXT Results: January 13, 2021 A.K.A. The One With The Rascalz Debut Results: Candice LeRae def. […]

More Wrestling News

  • Maple Leafs Have Crease Concerns Despite Starting Season Atop North Division
    by Luke Garrison on January 19, 2021 at 3:31 am

    The NHL season has been underway for less than a week, but the Toronto Maple Leafs already feel the […]

  • Morgan Frost Steps Up For Flyers In Place Of Injured Sean Couturier
    by Carol Schram on January 18, 2021 at 6:33 pm

    With Sean Couturier injured, Morgan Frost will make his season debut centering the top line when […]

  • Minsk Removed As Co-Host Of 2021 World Championships
    by Aivis Kalnins on January 18, 2021 at 4:21 pm

    Even though it took way too long and caused way too much drama - The IIHF announced today that the […]

  • The Good and Bad From the Senators’ Opening Two Games
    by Murray Pam on January 18, 2021 at 1:13 am

    It's been only two games of a 56-game season, but the Ottawa Senators are forging an identity of a […]

  • Eagles Sign Four CHL Prospects to Amateur Tryouts
    by C.C. Hawkley on January 18, 2021 at 1:06 am

    With four forwards and a goaltender initially placed on the Avalanche taxi squad, the Colorado […]

More Hockey News

  • Ep 51: Bergeron Dons The "C", Picking Up the Chara/Krug Slack; Season Expectations
    by Full Press Coverage on January 13, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    Mike Cratty of the Sal and Cratty Show and BlackNGoldHockey.com joins Ian […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25157918/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-13%2F4542c465ec7a3234f146bea647ede57e.m4a
  • Ep 50: Mr. Chara Goes to Washinton
    by Full Press Coverage on December 31, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the Capitals signing of Bruins longtime captain, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24623669/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-31%2F26d5b85c06ec2255c2f6cfc78b24cf94.m4a
  • Ep 49: Bruins New Division; Chara's Future in Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on December 23, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Ian and Chris return to discuss the NHL's 56-game season, the Bruins new […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24356084/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-23%2F5755949a0115f50df8582cc32916323a.m4a
  • Ep 48: Jake DeBrusk Signs; Reverse Retro Jerseys; Thanksgiving Food Draft
    by Full Press Coverage on November 26, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    On this Thanksgiving episode of the Big Bad Bruins Podcast, Ian and Chris […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/23142833/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F52d6fc857b1cd37d19b4fe24752398f6.m4a
  • Ep 47: Recapping the Bruins Offseason to this Point
    by Full Press Coverage on October 21, 2020 at 6:34 pm

    Ian and Chris the free agent moves the Bruins have and haven't made as […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/21440275/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F5e55ff65a935458b843f84f596268c6e.m4a
  • Ep 46: NHL Free Agency Wishlist; Krug and Chara's Future; Rask to Stay
    by Full Press Coverage on October 9, 2020 at 8:21 pm

    Ian and Chris recap the Bruins draft and take a look ahead to the start of […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/20863092/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F02c7a7b0f8c9979d30155fe48c48dfba.m4a
  • Ep 40: Former Bruin Jay Miller Joins the Show
    by Full Press Coverage on September 15, 2020 at 5:39 pm

    Former Bruin, Jay Miller, joins Ian and Chris to talk Bruins, UNH, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/19652154/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F78efb8b40427b178fea3e054267f01b4.m4a
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage