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Oakland Raiders: 5 Reasons Why It’s Okay To Be A Fan Again

By Kevin Saito

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Dec 7, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) celebrates behind San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) after a Raiders sack against the 49ers during the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

An Absolute Beast On Defense

No, he’s not as dominant as J.J. Watt – yet – but Khalil Mack is going to be an absolute beast in 2015. He’s bulked up and seems committed to getting after the quarterback more often this season, stating that more sacks is his personal goal.

With Norton expected to bring some elements of Seattle’s All-Universe defense down to Oakland, we can expect some changes on that side of the ball. With proven run stuffers Dan Williams and Curtis Lofton beefing up Oakland’s defensive front, the Raiders are going to be hell to run against.

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    • But that leaves the problem they had last season, which is getting to the quarterback. Oakland recorded a league low 22 sacks in 2014, and desperately need to improve upon that. In fact, the entire Raiders front seven needs to put a tremendous amount of consistent pressure on the QB, if only to help cover for any deficiencies in a young, inexperienced secondary.

    This is where Mack comes in. With Malcolm Smith in the fold, and Ray Ray Armstrong having a tremendous impact during OTA’s and proving that he can play some linebacker, the Raiders have some options. Del Rio and Norton will be able to move Mack around, much the way Del Rio did with Von Miller in Denver to tremendous success.

    With the Raiders defensive front expected to be stout against the run, Mack will be able to focus on creating chaos and havoc in the offensive backfield. He will be able to key on the opposing quarterbacks and get in their faces.

    With that sort of freedom combined with his natural, freakish athleticism and ability, Mack is going to become one of the most exciting and dominant defensive players in the NFL.

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