Oakland Raiders: Some Numbers Important To The Team’s Success In 2017

25

A lot has been made of Oakland’s lack of a pass rush over the last few seasons. And with good reason. If this defense wants to take the next step, Khalil Mack cannot be the only guy out there getting to the quarterback. Although, for the last two seasons, it’s certainly seemed like he’s the only one capable of doing it.

Of Oakland’s 25 sacks in 2016, Mack had 11 of them. Bruce Irvin chipped in another seven – making him the most effective pass rushing bookend Mack has had since he’s been in Oakland.

But to have two players account for 18 of a team’s 25 sacks – lowest total in the league, if you’re scoring at home – isn’t going to work. Mack and Irvin desperately need some help in the pass rushing game.

The lack of an effective and consistent pass rush also helps explain the inflated numbers the secondary is giving up. The more time a quarterback has to sit back in the pocket uncontested, the more effective they are in picking apart the secondary. Oakland’s poor passing defense isn’t entirely on Sean Smith and David Amerson alone.

The return of Mario Edwards Jr. is going to help some. When he’s healthy, he’s a handful for opposing linemen to contain. But they’re going to need help from their interior line.

Stacy McGee was their best interior lineman last season, but he and his 2.5 sacks are off to Washington now. Darius Latham flashed some promise, but he’s still raw. They either need to address that lack of a punch up the middle in the draft or they need to find someway to get more out of Justin Ellis and Dan Williams than they got last year.

The Raiders desperately need pass rushing help. They need guys who can put a body on the quarterback, or at least force him to move and make him uncomfortable in the pocket. To be successful, this team is going to have get more than 25 sacks next season.