Raiders' Interior Defense Will be Critical Against KC

The Las Vegas Raiders have one the league's top edge presences on the defensive line with arguably the NFL's top pass rusher in Maxx Crosby, an underrated force in defensive end Malcom Koonce and an up-and-coming rookie in defensive end Tyree Wilson.

While it will be vital that this group displays one of its best performances of the season when it goes up against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday, it will be just as crucial that Las Vegas' members of the interior defensive line do their job and keep the league's reigning MVP, quarterback Patrick Mahomes, from escaping up the middle or maneuvering in the pocket.

Raiders interim Coach Antonio Pierce noted the impact of that effort when it proved to be successful in Las Vegas' 63-21 rout of the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 16.

"If you really go back and watch our last game, that was the difference," Pierce told media members on Saturday. "Both ends did a good job of turning the corner and getting pressure, making the quarterback step up. Well, he can't step up.

"That's got to be a big part -- just rush coordination, rush discipline, everybody doing their job, right? You hear it, it's very cliche, but it's true. Especially with a quarterback that buys time.

"It's never on rhythm. And we know that, we understand that, we've got to do a better job up front along with our coverage."

Mahomes has rushed for 22 first downs this season and is well on his way to surpassing his single-season best of 25.

The Raiders have a solid interior line group on defense with defensive tackles John Jenkins and Bilal Nichols. Jenkins returned a fumble for a touchdown in the last game against the Chargers, the first of his 11-year career. He also has posted a sack this season, only the second of his career.

The Silver and Black will return to action versus their AFC West rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs, on Christmas Day at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Don't miss it on Monday, December 25, at 1 p.m. EST/10 a.m. PST.

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