Quarterbacks often have to put in “coaching” hours during a standard NFL game week, breaking down defenses as a whole and then diving into each position group to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition.
Matthew Stafford, after his initial view of the Raiders’ defense, complimented their schemes and coaching during Wednesday’s press conference.
“They’re really well-coached across the board,” he said. “They present a bunch of different looks, a bunch of different personnel groupings. They do a really nice job. It’s a really buttoned-up, well-coached outfit and they have really good players. They have good players at all three levels, guys that can affect the game in a positive way for them, get the football back, all those kinds of things. They’re a really solid unit.”
Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has been a respected defensive voice around the NFL for over a decade, serving in that role for the Dolphins, Giants, and Raiders. Graham comes from the Bill Belichick coaching tree, serving the Patriots in various coaching positions for seven years.
The Raiders currently rank 12th in total yards given up per game, averaging 326.5 yards surrendered. Last week, the Raiders were trampled by Najee Harris and Pittsburgh’s offensive line as they gave up 293 yards to an inefficient Steelers offense.
The last time Stafford played against Graham, the Rams won the 2021 Week 6 matchup, 38-11, over the Giants in New Jersey. Stafford went 22-for-28 with 251 yards, four touchdowns and one interception.