Oakland Raiders: A Few Predictions For Week Two Game With Falcons
By Kevin Saito
Oakland Defense Holds Atlanta Below 300 Yards Offense
Oakland’s defensive performance has been the subject against New Orleans has been the subject of much discussion and scrutiny. More specifically, the Saints’ absolute shredding of Oakland’s defense.
For the game, the Raiders gave up an astounding 507 yards of total offense to Brees and the Saints – most of that coming through the air. It wasn’t the sort of defensive performance the Raiders wanted, nor expected to get from their revamped defensive unit.
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Given the fact that the Raiders brought in a number of high priced free agents like Bruce Irvin, Sean Smith, and Reggie Nelson to shore up last season’s creaky spots. Against the Saints, it didn’t look like it worked out very well.
With defensive minded coaches who excelled as players all over the place, this Raiders defensive unit knows the performance they put up in week one isn’t acceptable. Nor can they rely on a two point conversion in the final minute to bail them out every week.
With HC Jack Del Rio and DC Ken Norton Jr. likely climbing into every available orifice on each and every player, this defense will bounce back in week two. You will see guys flying to the ball and pushing themselves beyond normal limits to make plays.
All of this is going to result in the type of dominating defensive performance that the Raiders were anticipating getting from their rebuilt squad. Del Rio and Norton both believe that defense wins championships. That’s why they spent so much time focusing on that side of the ball this offseason.
Behind Ryan, Julio Jones, and Devonta Freeman, the Falcons have an explosive offensive unit. But the Raiders defense is going to respond to the challenge of last week’s debacle and take out some frustration on these Falcons, making it all but impossible for them to get any offensive momentum going.
Next: Bombs Away