This has a chance to be the best defense the Raiders have had in a long time. The last time they had a top-five scoring defense was in 1984 when they allowed just 17.4 points per game under Tom Flores.
But with the recent additions made in free agency and the improvements from Malcolm Koonce, Trevon Moehrig, and others, this defense could finish top five in points allowed. For that to happen, the secondary will need to take a big step forward.
In a recent article by Pro Football Focus, they ranked all 32 secondaries heading into the upcoming season. The Raiders ranked near the middle of the pack, coming in at No. 17. Here is what the site had to say about the unit:
The Raiders were better than expected in 2023, as they graded as the 11th-best unit and finished 16th in EPA allowed per pass. Cornerback Jack Jones (71.9 coverage grade) brings excitement to the field, and safety Tre’von Moehrig’s advanced grading was excellent in 2023.
As usual, this group will have it difficult dealing with Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert in the division, but they’re battle-tested enough to handle the high-flying AFC West.
The Raiders lack star power in their secondary, but they have four very good players who mesh well together. The biggest weakness is the second outside cornerback opposite of Jack Jones. The Raiders are hoping that Jakorian Bennett will take a leap in Year 2, but that is the weakest starting spot in the unit.
If the Raiders can find quality cornerback play opposite Jones and Nate Hobbs, this has a chance to be a very good group again in 2024. And like we saw last year, they can compete against the top quarterbacks in the league on any given Sunday.
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