Oakland Raiders look like a playoff team this year

November 1, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) tackles New York Jets running back Chris Ivory (33) during the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

 Defensive front-7

The Raiders haven’t stopped the run since 2002 but the Raiders now have the No. 2 run-defense in the NFL. Interior defensive lineman Dan Williams, Mario Edwards Jr. and Justin Ellis stuff the inside run along with inside linebackers Malcolm Smith and Curtis Lofton. Outside linebackers Aldon Smith and Khalil Mack allow nothing outside, turning everything back in.

Physical football is about blocking and tackling and for the defense it’s about not being blocked and making tackles. This defensive front-7 does a good job of not being blocked and tackling in the passing-game and the running-game. They don’t have a whole lot of sacks this year but have relentlessly pressured and hurried quarterbacks this year.

The Raiders pass-rush is mainly spear-headed by Mack and Smith with Edwards starting to come along. The game plan against the Raiders is throwing short to get rid of the ball quickly. Even San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, who loves to throw it deep, had to throw short on the Raiders.

That has to a big part of why the Raiders don’t have many deep balls getting completed on them. Opposing quarterbacks are 7-34 for 238 yds, 0 TDs, 4 INTs and a 16.7 passer rating on passes over 20 yards. They simply don’t have time for their receivers to break open and throw an accurate ball to.

Next: The secondary