The Milus Touch: Raiders DBs Prepped to Learn

To say that Ron Milus embarked on a difficult task remains an understatement. With the Las Vegas Raiders and their oft-maligned secondary, Milus must craft a service piece to Gus Bradley’s defense. Granted, his track record says that he is well capable of this feat. However, the Raiders’ secondary requires so much work and a mammoth overhaul of a defensive backfield that bordered on the abysmal at times. Milus appears genuinely confident in his attempt to get the unit trending in a positive, successful direction.

The Man

After a stellar career at the University of Washington, Milus worked his way through the NFL. Although the early part of his career is highlighted by two and three-year stints, he stayed with the Chargers for eight seasons. Coaches, whether opponent or colleagues all praise his hands-on, teaching approach to the secondary. With the Raiders, Milus must teach not only technique but instill an appreciation for nuance, which remains sorely missing, throughout the failed Guenther regime. In all honesty, a career position coach in this role fits. The Raiders, as of a couple of years ago, had a Hall of Famer in this spot. He was more of a rah-rah type. These are grown men that don’t need encouragement instilled.

Bounce Back?

If you are honest, you will readily admit that Damon Arnette’s rookie season did not proceed as planned. In fact, 2020 served a nightmare factory for the rookie from Ohio State. Between missed tackles, blown coverage and atrocious angles, Arnette struggled with the speed of the NFL game. Already in his NFL prime-age-wise, Milus must find a way to change Arnette’s approach and open his eyes and develop a feel for the game.

Biggest Task

While cornerback needs serious help, safety play remains the most problematic part of the group, in particular, Johnathan Abram. While listed as a safety, Abram thrives closer to the line of scrimmage. With Gus Bradley’s new scheme, the Raiders will deploy him the same way. With Abram, Milus needs to pair the hard hits with smarter, fundamental football. Abram hits like a ton of bricks and shows the coverage skills of one, too. Now, Milus can work with the positives and minimize the negatives. Basically, harnessing the aggression and channeling it into better angles, technical wrap-ups, and overall better play.

Outlook

In Ron Milus, the Raiders employ a coach that will fix their secondary, regardless of talents within. By reverting to basic, fundamental football, that unit will play better in 2021. The NFL is a passing league. The last line of defense needs to tighten up.