Las Vegas Raiders Defense is Struggling

The Las Vegas Raiders defense is struggling. The secondary specifically needs to step up if they want to maintain their winning ways.

It’s two weeks into this season and there’s been a common theme in both games the Las Vegas Raiders played.

The defense just wasn’t up to an optimal level.

Sure, blame the loss of linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski for both weeks, which is in fact true and changes the scope of the defense.

But even then, the Raiders defense as a unit was being stomped on.

In two games, Las Vegas allowed 241 rushing yards. While not the greatest of numbers, the Silver and Black are in the middle of the pack, as expected.

This is partially due to a strong defensive line with the likes of defensive end Clelin Ferrell and Maxx Crosby able to apply pressure to the opponent’s quarterback.

While still something to work on, it’s not as bad as the passing defense.

The Raiders have struggled big-time limiting the ball in the air. In two weeks, the Raiders are 29th in the league in passing yards allowed. The Silver and Black have allowed 571 total passing yards in two games.

That’s an average of 285.5 yards per game, or far too many.

Simply put, the opponents have been able to outrun the secondary.

The secondary was ranked 24th by Pro Football Focus prior to the 2020 season.

The Raiders are so far living up to that ranking, perhaps a little worse.

As a cherry on top, it’s not going to get any easier. The Raiders are up against quarterbacks Cam Newton, Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes in the next three weeks.

Three quarterbacks who like to throw the ball long.

The Raiders defense, specifically the secondary, need to step in the coming weeks if the Silver and Black want to keep their winning ways.

Tell us what you think in the comment section below and please make sure you like our Facebook Page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.

Want the latest breaking Las Vegas Raiders news delivered straight to your email for FREE? Sign up for the DAILY Raiders Nation newsletter when you CLICK THE FOLLOW button on the main page. Don't miss any of the latest up to the second updates for your Las Vegas Raiders when you follow on Twitter @HondoCarpenter, @HikaruKudo1