Will Raiders' Pass Rush Keep Shining Vs. Colts?

In only one season, the Las Vegas Raiders went from having one of the league’s most inefficient pass rushes to having one of the best.

The Raiders have increased their sack total from 27 in 2022 to 40 in 2023, with two games remaining. Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham and Interim Coach Antonio Pierce deserve a lot of credit for their ability to turn the Raiders’ pass rush around.

What has helped tremendously is that Maxx Crosby is not the only player getting after the quarterback this season, as has been the case in previous seasons.

The emergence of Malcolm Koonce, the development of Tyree Wilson, and the interior rushers' contributions have all been major factors in improving the trenches.

The Raiders bring their improved pass rush to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis to battle the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts feature a solid offensive line, but that unit has given up several sacks this season.

According to Pro Football Focus, the Colts have three offensive linemen who have allowed four sacks: tackle Bernhard Raimann, guard Will Fries and tackle Blake Freeland. Even guard Quenton Nelson and center Ryan Kelly, two of the best interior offensive linemen in the NFL, have given up a sack. The Colts have allowed 164 pressures this season and 18 quarterback hits.

Tackle Braden Smith might return from injury for this game, and he has allowed only 10 pressures and has not allowed a sack this season. Smith is returning from a three-game absence due to a knee injury.

The Raiders’ pass rushers have been on a tear the last two weeks, recording seven sacks and 16 quarterback hits. Koonce, in particular, has five sacks, including a three-sack performance against Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Suppose the Raiders consistently win their match-ups on the defensive line like they have been the last two weeks. In that case, they will cause significant disruption for quarterback Gardner Minshew, who is responsible for 22 turnovers, according to PFF.

The Raiders have been incredibly disruptive to opposing offensive lines this season. A victory over the Colts would help bolster their postseason chances, as Indianapolis holds the No. 7 seed in the AFC.

If the Raiders can continue their dominant defensive line play, they will give themselves a better shot to play football late into January.

The Silver and Black continue the season on New Year's Eve versus the Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis. Don't miss it on Sunday, December 31, at 1 p.m. EST/10 a.m. PST.

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