Raiders Were Last in an Important Defensive Stat

The Las Vegas Raiders were a disappointing defensive team in 2022, something they are looking to improve on in 2023.

The Raiders' defensive struggles occurred at all three levels: the defensive line could not get to the quarterback, the linebackers struggled in coverage and the defensive backs allowed too many yards through the air.

General Manager Dave Ziegler made moves in free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft to help shore up each of these position groups, but there was one statistic that shined an unattractive light on the Raiders’ defense.

The Raiders were last in the league in opposing quarterback passer rating. Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham’s unit allowed quarterbacks to have a 98.8 passer rating, only a tick above the Arizona Cardinals, who allowed a 98.2 passer rating.

The league average passer rating in 2022 was 89.1, which the Raiders were well below in 2022. The NFL is a passer’s league right now, and to put it plainly, the Raiders allowed opposing quarterbacks to get comfortable against them.

All the shortcomings of the Raiders’ defense led to the team allowing a high passer rating. When no one except defensive end Maxx Crosby is getting to the quarterback, quarterbacks can sit in the pocket and read the field, which puts more pressure on the defensive backs to cover downfield longer.

The Raiders have some of the best quarterbacks in the NFL right in their division, as they will see each of the trio of Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert and Russell Wilson twice. They will also see great passers like Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills and Aaron Rodgers of the New York Jets this season.

The Raiders must be better at getting to the quarterback and disrupting the opposing team’s rhythm in 2023 if they want to be competitive. The additions of No. 7 overall pick Tyree Wilson and free agent additions such as Robert Spillane and Marcus Epps should help improve the defense at each of the three levels.

If the Raiders can stop the other team’s quarterback from getting comfortable and picking their defense apart, they could see themselves winning more games because of their defense.

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