The Las Vegas Raiders defense, which is expected to be the team’s greatest asset heading into the 2024 season, will likely be the main reason if they are able to qualify for the postseason this season.
The Raiders defense, which allowed just 19.5 points per game the previous season—the ninth-best figure in the NFL—is largely back. When you exclude anything before Antonio Pierce took over, the average drops to 16.0, which is the lowest in the NFL during that time.
The Raiders have now added outstanding defensive lineman Christian Wilkins to their already
formidable front-line, which also has Malcolm Koonce, an emerging EDGE who is coming off a career-best season, and superstar pass-rusher Maxx Crosby.
Not everyone, though, is as thrilled about Las Vegas’ defense as we are.Prior to the next season, the Scouting Department at Bleacher Report feels the Raiders have the eighth-best defense in the NFL. Here are their opinions:
The Reason Behind Their Ranking
Last season, the Raiders’ campaign was divided into two parts. Under Josh McDaniels, the team—including the defense—was in disarray, and they limped to a 3-5 start to the season. The defense improved when McDaniels was fired and Antonio Pierce took over as the team’s temporary head coach.
With a pass rush that averaged more than three sacks per game, they were among the league’s top-scoring defenses in the second half of the season. They should have one of the best pass rushers in the league after adding Christian Wilkins in free agency. This team has a ton of promise if Tyree Wilson and Jakorian Bennett can improve upon their rookie seasons.
The cornerbacks’ room is one of the biggest unanswered questions, as B/R notes.
If the Raiders hope to maintain the momentum from last season, the secondary needs to step up. After being cut by the Patriots in the middle of the season, Jack Jones was a revelation; nonetheless, he still needs to demonstrate that he can be the team’s top cornerback on a regular basis. Bennett or the seasoned Brandon Facyson must also take the position opposite Jones for them.
There should be pressure on the safeties to justify their position as well. Tre’Von Moehrig and Marcus Epps are both nearing the end of their contracts. It’s easy to be overly optimistic about the first seven. There are still quite a few unanswered questions about the secondary.
Nate Hobbs was a huge asset in the slot, and Jack Jones performed admirably in his first season with the Raiders, but it’s unclear who will start opposite Jones in the other starting position. Bennett, veteran Brandon Facyson, and fourth-round pick Decamerion Richardson are also potential options.
The Raiders boast a highly regarded pass rush already, but adding Wilson will deepen the lineup. Although Wilson’s debut season was uneventful, he did play better in the end.
The Raiders will have a strong defense that will lead the way in 2024, regardless of what happens to Wilson and the other starting cornerback positions. Las Vegas ought to make the playoffs if that side of the ball performs to its full capacity and the offense can fulfill its half of the deal.
