Raiders Must Limit Early Efficiency From Opposing QBs
The Las Vegas Raiders have struggled to contain opposing quarterbacks through the first two weeks of the season, especially right out of the gate.
In Week 1 against Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson, the Raiders' defense allowed the veteran quarterback to complete 27-of-34 passes for a near 80ly percent completion percentage. Of those completions, two went for touchdowns.
On the Broncos' first offensive drive alone, Wilson was 7-for-8, including his first touchdown pass of the game. He would go on to complete 17-of-18 passes in the opening half.
In Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills, quarterback Josh Allen would complete his first 10 passes of the game, finishing the first half with 18-of-22 passing.
"A key thing for us moving forward is just to get off to a fast start and to get the quarterback off their rhythm," Raiders Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham said when he addressed the media on Tuesday. "And that starts with me, first and foremost. So, that's one thing that we have to do moving forward, and when you're dealing with these really good quarterbacks, you've got to find ways to do that. And it comes from whether it's disguise, whether it's scheme, whether it may be, just got to find a way to get them off rhythm and create some good situations for the defense."
Graham's explanation for how the two quarterbacks were able to be so efficient these past two weeks was rather simple.
"[It is] a combination of the good players to throw the ball to, and I've got to do a better job," he said.
Getting a quarterback out of his groove is crucial for a defense to be successful, especially early in the game.
For the Raiders' defense to get to the level it needs to be, pressuring the quarterback and disrupting passes will be key going forward.
The Silver and Black return home to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to play the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Sept. 24, at 8:20 p.m. EDT/5:20 p.m. PDT.
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