Khalil Mack and Sio Moore Lead Oakland Raiders’ Youth Movement
The Oakland Raiders defense has undergone a facelift this off-season, with a roster shift towards youthful potential and veteran leadership.
The Raiders entered the free agent period targeting players who not only could provide an immediate impact, but whose production arch is still rising, and not on a downward incline.
Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie‘s main priority appeared to be strengthening Oakland’s front seven, where outside of rookie standout Khalil Mack, they had no consistent pass rusher.
The overhaul of the front seven started with the signing of stout defensive tackle Dan Williams.
Williams is a classic 3-4 nose tackle, who can push the pocket and create more outside pass rush opportunities for edge rushers Mack and Sio Moore.
The Raiders look to be rebuilding their defense from the inside out, and Williams’ presence in the middle, will surely solidify the front four.
In addition to Williams, the signing of veteran middle linebacker Curtis Lofton should bolster a Raiders defensive attack that ranked 21st in total defense last year.
Developing defensive chemistry is the staple of all great defenses. Teammates must trust one another to perform at the highest level.
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Of course, trust and chemistry are developed over time. Not only is it established on game days, but also through many hours spent in the weight rooms and on the practice field.
The on field chemistry of Mack and Moore became more visible as the 2014 season progressed.
The two young high motored linebackers seemed to feed off one another’s energy. The duo’s youthful exuberance and inexperience was never more evident, than on a Thursday night game versus their rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs.
“You know how they say act like you’ve been there before—I haven’t ,” said Moore after the game
With a little over 40 seconds left in-game, the Raiders up 24-20, and closing in on their first win of the season, Moore sacked Alex Smith on third down.
Instead of just lining up for a potential game clinching fourth down stop, Moore and Mack broke into some kind of choreographed handshake celebration. If not for veteran Justin Tuck calling for an emergency time out, a penalty would have been called, and it would have resulted in one of the most embarrassing plays in Raiders history.
That one not so glorious moment illustrated the budding talent of both linebackers, but also demonstrated the maturation that still needs to be developed in the young Raiders’ linebackers.
Mack will look to build on his impressive rookie campaign, and continue to establish himself as one of the best young defensive players in the NFL.
Moore is coming off a 2014-15 sophomore season where he racked up 90 tackles before injuring his hip, and being placed on injured reserve — ending his season on December 16th.
The tandem have shown flashes of what a dynamic pair they can be. Both have demonstrated very high motors and a relentless drive to make big impact plays.
The highlight plays and elaborate celebrations are nice to look back on in the offseason, but the Raiders defense needs consistency.
Moore and Mack have shown the ability to make the dynamic plays, but trust is built through consistent play.
Both players have impressed with their physical talent and their drive to dominate. But a continued growth in the mental aspect of the game will allow them to truly flourish.