The Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive line has taken another significant hit with Maxx Crosby’s announcement last week that he will miss the final three games of the season due to ankle surgery. This news adds to the team’s struggles, as they have also been without key players Christian Wilkins and Malcolm Koonce for much of the season.
Despite these setbacks, the Raiders have managed to maintain a strong pass rush, which has shown improvement as the season progresses. Over the last three games, the team has recorded 12 of their 32 total sacks, tying with the New Orleans Saints for the fourth-most in that span. In their recent 15-9 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, the Raiders notched three sacks, marking their first game without Crosby.
“We want to be disruptive, not just with sacks, but with pressures and making the quarterback uncomfortable,” said head coach Antonio Pierce. “I thought you saw that (Monday) night.”
Replacing the production of Crosby, Wilkins, and Koonce—who collectively contributed 31.5 sacks last season—has proven challenging. The Raiders’ defense has struggled, allowing an average of 26.9 points per game, ranking 27th in the NFL, while sitting 12th in total defense with an average of 329.5 yards allowed per game. However, the defense’s replacements have stepped up, using their increased playing time to showcase their abilities.
Defensive tackle Adam Butler, who has started 13 games this season after not starting any last year, noted, “As guys went down, I got more playing time, and it opened up a chance to show what I can do in this league.” Butler has recorded 3.5 sacks this season, building on his five sacks from last year.
Rookie Jonah Laulu has also seized his opportunity, recording his first career sack against the Falcons while accumulating 10 tackles over the past two games. “I’m just always appreciative, grateful, and thankful for this opportunity,” Laulu said. “I’m happy I made plays, but I’m never satisfied. I feel like I have so much to prove.”
Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has successfully kept pressure on opposing quarterbacks despite the absence of expected starters. The Raiders’ pass defense has improved, ranking 10th in the league over the past three games with an average of 209 yards allowed, and they have held two opponents to fewer than 20 points.
“I can’t speak for anybody else, but for me, I’m like a military soldier,” Butler said. “If your brother goes down, if you’ve got to carry him across the finish line, so be it. If I have to take 100% of the snaps, that’s what I have to do.”
In other news, quarterback Aidan O’Connell is optimistic about returning from a left knee injury, stating, “I think I’m feeling good enough already right now to play.” If O’Connell is unable to play, Desmond Ridder will start for the second consecutive game.
The Raiders also faced another setback at running back, as Sincere McCormick was placed on season-ending injured reserve following an ankle injury sustained during Monday’s game. McCormick had recently risen from the practice squad to become the starting back. Additionally, Zamir White is out for the season with a quadriceps injury, and Alexander Mattison missed about a month due to an ankle injury before returning to play against Atlanta.
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