With The First Pick
Fansided

Oakland Raiders Defense Ready for Baltimore Ravens

By Carl Cockerham

Sep 25, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback TJ Carrie (38) celebrates with cornerback Sean Smith (21) after a defensive stop late in the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. The Raiders won 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback TJ Carrie (38) celebrates with cornerback Sean Smith (21) after a defensive stop late in the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. The Raiders won 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 25, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback TJ Carrie (38) celebrates with cornerback Sean Smith (21) after a defensive stop against the Tennessee Titans. The Raiders won 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback TJ Carrie (38) celebrates with cornerback Sean Smith (21) after a defensive stop against the Tennessee Titans. The Raiders won 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

The New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons thoroughly abused them, in the first two weeks of the season. Then the Oakland Raiders defense snapped back in Week 3. They’ll be tested again in Week 4 by the Baltimore Ravens but they are ready for it.

Many around the NFL were hyped about the Oakland Raiders defense with all acquisitions they made. But soon as the season started, all that hype turned into disappointment. Their futility was historical, giving up over 1,000 yards in the first two games this season.

On paper, the Raiders defense looked like it would be at least a Top-10 unit. Defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr.’s injury is big as he has a couple of more weeks to get back. But there is enough talent on that defense for the Raiders to absorb a blow like that.

A couple of players had bad games but the main problem is they haven’t played together. No matter how great a group of players are individually, only playing as a unit makes them great collectively. The coaches come into the equation here too.

The Raiders’ staff can’t truly know how to use each player until they have them. Plus their 2016 first-round pick sat on the bench while opposing teams threw hydrogen bombs unto the Raiders secondary. But some adjustments were made and now, they’re ready for their test against the Baltimore Ravens.

Turn the page to see how.

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