Oakland Raiders: Top 5 takeaways from Week 4 victory over the Indianapolis Colts
5. The defense showed up (and iced the game)
Of all the volatile aspects of the Oakland Raiders this season, the defense might end up being one of the most constant themes.
The Raiders have taken strides to make their defense better this year, but there will be very gruesome growing pains during the defensive rebuild. Sometimes it comes in the form of a bad quarter against Patrick Mahomes. Other times it’s a bad showing against the Vikings.
One of the many highlights this week on the defensive side was defensive back Lamarcus Joyner, who some believed might have been a bad signing in free agency.
Joyner had seven tackles and was all over the field for the entirety of the game. He was impressive throughout, nearly getting himself a pick on a great hustle play to bat down a ball headed for a long gain.
In the third quarter, he was responsible for a big tackle for a loss that thwarted the Colts’ comeback attempt in the second half.
Along with him, Erik Harris was able to put together seven tackles of his own. With the Colts threatening late in the game, Harris got the first interception of the year for the Raiders — a pick-six that sealed the game.
If there weren’t enough reasons already to move away from giving Curtis Riley opportunities in the backfield, Harris’ play this weekend should be the final nail in the coffin.
More from Golden Gate Sports
- Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performance
- 49ers sign new long snapper amidst a flurry of roster moves
- Oakland Athletics win Game 2 of Wild Card round with late-inning drama
- 49ers: George Kittle and Deebo Samuel cleared to return to practice
- 49ers expected to place DE Dee Ford on injured reserve
The Raiders might have finally broken through by giving Harris opportunities this week. It should be a trend moving forward. His veteran presence could go a long way.
The defense as a whole once again showed their ability to stop the run game from start to finish. Marlon Mack, who entered the day third in the NFL in rushing yards, was limited to just 39 yards on 11 carries.
It’s the second time this season that the defensive job has done an exceptional job limiting the running game.
On the other hand, it’s tough to ignore that the Raiders went another week with issues on the pass rush.
This has been a theme and will continue being a theme until the Raiders finally put together a halfway decent pass rush that fills part of the void left by Khalil Mack. Sacks aren’t the only way to judge a defense, but the sack total will be on the defense’s mind all season.
All in all, the defense put together a solid game and not only kept the Colts offense from overcoming limited second-half offense from the Raiders, but also iced the game.
Next. Oakland Raiders: Scouting newly-signed linebacker Dakota Allen. dark
It’s an ongoing process, but performances like this give the team an idea of who to give pressure situations.
It’s getting more and more clear each week.