Raiders' DC Graham's Defense Lightens Load for Offense

Entering the season, it was assumed the Las Vegas Raiders' offense would carry the team. The opposite has been confirmed in 2023, as the Silver and Black defense has been a pleasant surprise.

Outside of Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas' defense might not boast many household names; in fact they have earned the title of Patrick Graham's merry band of misfits.

But DC Patrick Graham's defense has positively impacted each game this season on both sides.

Sunday against the New England Patriots, the Raiders found themselves with an opportunity to put the game away on offense. We asked Coach Josh McDaniels if the defense's improved play allowed him to call plays more freely.

"We had the ball in the four-minute offense there and we threw the ball a few times in that situation because we felt like they would load the box and they were going to try to go ahead and make it tough," McDaniels told Sports Illustrated.

"And those plays are always hit and miss at times because you're in the four-minute offense, and you want to try to keep the clock running, but you know if you throw an incomplete pass, there's a situation where you're actually helping them if they end up with the ball back, but at the same time, you're trying to win the game.

"So, I think for me just based on the situation, based on the circumstances, based on the opponent, based on how the game is going, based on how we feel in all three phases; that's really when I'd say the head coach part of me really has to be in sync with the play caller on offense."

McDaniels shared with us that the defense playing as well as they have helps determine how aggressive the offense is allowed to be in important situations.

"And you have to understand the way that we're punting the ball, the way that we're playing defense, also the way we're protecting, what we're seeing on offense that might give us an opportunity there in the passing game, and there's a balancing act.

"Yesterday, it didn't necessarily go our way in terms of being able to capitalize on that," McDaniels told SI. "But I think you'd like to be aggressive and win it when you have the ball in your hand as much as possible.

"And if that doesn't work out, then you keep playing, and I have a lot of confidence in our kicking game, our punter, our punt coverage and our defense has definitely shown the ability to do that too.”

The defense returns to work this week with an opportunity to stack another good game on top of their two successful outings. A third consecutive good game by the defense could give Las Vegas' offense even more time to work things out.

The Silver and Black will head on the road to take on the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Oct. 22, at 1:05 p.m. EDT/10:05 a.m. PDT.

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