More than likely, the Raiders’ season is going to come down to how well they can rush the passer. Last season, they just weren’t able to create consistent pressure against good teams and it cost them dearly.
Heading into the 2020 season, the Raiders do appear to have more talent on their defensive line than last year. However, Pro Football Focus isn’t as optimistic about the unit, ranking them as the fifth-worst group in the NFL.
While the site, as a whole, is down on the Raiders’ defensive line, they did have plenty of nice things to say about third-year defensive tackle Maurice Hurst. Take a look at their thoughts on the former Michigan star:
Maurice Hurst was the team’s best pass-rusher in 2019, and the former Michigan star may be about to enter a breakout year. Hurst is an undersized interior rusher, but his development has been impressive over two NFL seasons. Another step forward in his third year would see him emerge as one of the better interior pass-rushers in the league. Hurst earned a pass-rushing grade of 77.8 last season and racked up 38 total pressures in the process.
If defensive ends Maxx Crosby and Clelin Ferrell can take a step in their second seasons in the NFL, that should alone move this unit up the rankings at this time next season. And if Hurst and/or Maliek Collins can provide some pass-rush inside, this team has a chance to be one of the better pass-rushing units in the league.
But as of right now, all four of the players listed above need to be more consistent if they want to have any real chance of making the playoffs this season. Keep an eye on the defensive line this season as it should be a strong indicator of their success this season.
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