Another Dominant Performance by the Raiders' Defense

When the season began, marginal improvement was expected from the Las Vegas Raiders' defense. Fourteen games into the season, it is safe to say their progress has been much more than marginal.

Depending on the Raiders' moves after the season, their improvement on defense this season could be a stepping stone for the organization moving forward.

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Las Vegas' 63-point outburst on offense against the Los Angeles Chargers, was the type of performance that hadn't been seen in the history of the Raiders, let alone this season. On the other hand, the defense continued to do what they've done for most of the season.

The Raiders won the coin toss and deferred, which put their strongest unit on the field first. It was the right move as Las Vegas forced a quick three-and-out on defense.

Linebacker Divine Deablo led the Raiders with 12 tackles, as they forced five fumbles and recovered four of them. Cornerback Jack Jones' interception was returned for a touchdown, marking the defense's fifth turnover.

The Raiders emphasized turnovers all offseason and during the season, which has paid off. Las Vegas' defense has 19 turnovers with three games remaining after finishing last in the National Football League in turnovers last season with a total of 13.

It was an all-around defensive effort, as over 20 Raiders defenders registered a tackle against the Chargers. Las Vegas also held Los Angeles to 89 total yards in the first half en route to a 42-0 lead at the break.

The Silver and Black didn't allow a single third down or fourth down conversion in the first half, solidifying the dominant victory with a half left to play.

In a season where Las Vegas' offense and defense have been unable to play well simultaneously, Thursday was an example of what the Raiders could be when they can.

It has been almost an entire season of improved play for Las Vegas' defense. What Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham has done with the Raiders' defense has been impressive.

The defense's transformation is even more impressive when considering the Raiders have the lowest-paid defense in the NFL.

The Silver and Black will return to action versus their AFC West rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs, on Christmas Day in 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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