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When the Oakland Raiders lost by a large margin to the Green Bay Packers Week 7, the defense was at it’s the lowest point of the season. In that game alone, they allowed Aaron Rodgers to throw five touchdowns and finish the game with a passing EPA of 25.3, according to Sports Info Solutions.
The defense couldn’t generate a pass rush and was picked apart in the secondary throughout the matchup leading to an embarrassing performance.
After the game, the coaching staff realized there was a need for change to the defensive unit. The front office went to work and started with trading former first-round pick Gareon Conley to the Houston Texans, earning a third-round selection in the process.
This allowed the Raiders to see what they have in the second-round pick from 2019, Trayvon Mullen. The Raiders adjusted their defensive line as well, moving Clelin Ferrell primarily to the defensive end position after having the former Clemson star work inside on passing downs.
These adjustments took a while to click with the Raiders defense struggling the next two weeks against the Texans and the Detroit Lions. However, against the Chargers, fans saw the defense add value to the 2019 Raiders, and this continued into their matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Against the Los Angeles Chargers and the Bengals, the Raiders have allowed a measly 4.5 yards per play. Before this two-game stretch, the Raiders were allowing 6.3 yards per play, which was 30th in the NFL. Now, they have moved up to 25th, finally getting below the 6 yards per play mark at 5.9.
Much of this improvement is established by the growth of the pass rush and better play in the secondary. The Raiders have 12 sacks in the past three weeks, with five each during the two previous outings. For perspective, The Raiders finished with just 13 sacks in 2018.
The rise of young rookies like Maxx Crosby has added a much-needed boost to a dormant pass rush that has plagued the Raiders since they lost Khalil Mack. Dion Jordan was a welcome addition as well, Crosby spoke about his presence rushing from the interior after the game. “Having Dion Jordan next to me with his speed coming inside was super helpful,” Crosby said.
The secondary has created 4 takeaways over the past two games as well and a passer rating of 48.25. While one game was against rookie quarterback Ryan Finley, the other was against a supposedly hot quarterback Phillip Rivers. Erik Harris has stepped up his play tremendously, and rookie cornerback
Mullen is starting to come into his own as a player. Mullen was the highest-graded cornerback last week at 91.0, according to Pro Football Focus with Daryle Worley and Nevin Lawson not too far behind him after an excellent performance.
All of this is critical for the Raiders going forward as they make a playoff push for either the wildcard or the division championship. The last two games were not the best from an offense that carried this team to a 4-4 record winning games where they were the clear underdogs. The defense helping the Raiders secure games might help them secure a playoff spot as well.
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