With The First Pick
Fansided

Oakland Raiders Not Getting Returns on Defensive Investments

By Carl Cockerham

Sep 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders free safety Reggie Nelson (27) stands on the field before the start of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders free safety Reggie Nelson (27) stands on the field before the start of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) strips the ball from New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9). Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) strips the ball from New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9). Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

Bruce Irvin: $9,250,000

The Seattle Seahawks started using OLB Bruce Irvin more in coverage, it was for a reason. He’s excellent in coverage but never became a sack master. The Seahawks have shown they know what they’re doing on defense.

In a previous article, I suggested that the Raiders moved him to ILB, where the Raiders are hurting. Irvin did an excellent job against the run and the in coverage while playing off the ball. But most of Raider Nation thinks he’s a sack master and he isn’t.

On the sack he had against the New Orleans Saints, quarterback Drew Brees held the ball for five seconds. Superstar Khalil Mack takes all the double and triple-teams. Yet Irvin can’t sack, pressure or even hit the quarterback unless he holds onto the ball for five seconds.

The Raiders didn’t pay Irvin $9.25 million to get single blocking on every play and get that. Irvin might be worth the money when in coverage shutting opposing tight ends down. The Raiders sure could have used him there against the Falcons Sunday.

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