Oakland Raiders: 5 Predictions For The 2015 Season

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Aug 15, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) is congratulated by outside linebacker Sio Moore (55) after recording a sack against the Detroit Lions in the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Lions 27-26. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Oakland Fields A Top 15 Defense

Oakland’s defense looked sharper over the last six games last season than they did over the first ten. Early on in the year, the Raiders couldn’t stop the run to save their lives. They were gashed over and over again by running backs who weren’t even close to being among the league’s elite.

All in all, the Raiders finished the season giving up 120 yards per game on the ground – making them 23rd in the league in that category. Against the pass, Oakland was slightly better, giving up 238 yards a game, making them the 19th best in the NFL.

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Needless to say, if you have the 21st overall ranked defense in the NFL, you probably aren’t going to win a whole bunch of games.

This offseason though, under the guidance and leadership of new HC Jack Del Rio and DC Ken Norton Jr. – both very defensive minded guys who have solid NFL pedigrees – have reshaped Oakland’s defensive lineup. They’ve parted ways with players like Antonio Smith, LaMarr Woodley, and Miles Burris, and have brought in Malcolm Smith, Curtis Lofton, Dan Williams, and Nate Allen. They also drafted a number of players like Mario Edwards Jr. who have the ability to step in and contribute on day one – whether they do or not is the question, but the potential is there.

Having returning players like Justin Tuck, Sio Moore, Khalil Mack, and Justin Ellis combined with those new faces – and some very proven run stuffers – Oakland is going to be much stouter along the defensive front, and is going to be a bear to run against.

May 8, 2015; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders coach Jack Del Rio at rookie minicamp at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

If there is one area of concern, it is in the secondary. The corners are expected to be manned by D.J. Hayden and Travis Carrie, both of whom have battled some injuries – Hayden has started in just ten games in his career to this point. Carrie, meanwhile, though he missed a few games with injury, has shown some tremendous potential and upside, but is still very green. And it shows at times.

But with a defensive coaching staff who knows how to utilize their roster, isn’t afraid to send frequent blitzes on any down, and a defensive front that can actually put some sustained pressure on the quarterback, Hayden and Carrie may have the opportunity to ease into the roles and expectations that have been thrust upon them. A good pass rush can most definitely help minimize some of the stupid mistakes young players make.

If the front seven players like Oakland is expecting, and the secondary rounds into form, Oakland could have a great, great defense – a defense that can steal a few games over the course of the season. They could most certainly be higher in the total rankings by the time the season ends, but it just feels right to say that Oakland is going to have a top-fifteen defense in the NFL this season.

Next: Prediction #3

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