Raiders' NASCAR Package Has Helped Spark Defense

The Las Vegas Raiders were expected to improve on defense this season, which they did early on. However, they have taken it to another level in the last few weeks.

Since Interim Coach Antonio Pierce took over seven games ago, the Raiders' defense went from giving up more than 23 points per game to a little over 15. A defense making that kind of jump is impressive.

Las Vegas' offense has struggled to score more than 20 points in games for most of the season. So, the defense's improvement cannot be understated. The defensive side of the ball has been the difference-maker since Pierce arrived at the helm and has gotten better over time.

The NASCAR package of Malcolm Koonce, Maxx Crosby, Janarius Robinson, and first-round draft pick Tyree Wilson has been a significant factor for Las Vegas' improvement after their bye week.

The Raiders began using the package more after their first game against the Kansas City Chiefs a few weeks ago. Las Vegas bye week they have followed their loss to the Chiefs earlier this season.

The bye week it paid off for Las Vegas. After registering four sacks against the Chiefs, the Raiders have 12 in the last three games. This has been due, in part, to the speed and flexibility that four defensive ends on the field allow.

Las Vegas ranks near the middle of the league in sacks after finishing 30th in the National Football League last season.

The package worked wonders for the Raiders, but they had yet to use much of the package against a player of quarterback Patrick Mahomes' caliber.

However, on Monday against the Chiefs, Las Vegas' NASCAR package made Mahomes uncomfortable, forcing him to scramble early and often with multiple quick defensive linemen on his tail -- not an ideal situation for any quarterback.

Pierce says his days as a player sparked the idea to run the package more.

“I had success as a player," Pierce said. "We did that when I was with the team I played with and won some championships with. It was pretty good. Speed kills, man.

"You've got length and bodies, and guys who can rush. You get a guy like we got last week, and another quarterback will face this week; they can move around.

"As we talked about mobility that can buy time, well, you can’t buy time when you've got speed and you’re chasing him. He'll get tired eventually, and we'll catch up, and then we've got to pound him.”

The Raiders went into their bye week on a two-game losing streak in need of significant changes. Those changes have led to the Raiders' defense dominating the last three teams they have played.

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

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