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Oakland Raiders to See Return of the Mack Sunday

By Carl Cockerham

Aug 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) watches action from the sideline against the Tennessee Titans in the fourth quarter at Oakland Alameda Coliseum. The Titans defeated the Raiders 27-14. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) watches action from the sideline against the Tennessee Titans in the fourth quarter at Oakland Alameda Coliseum. The Titans defeated the Raiders 27-14. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 25, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback David Amerson (29) deflects a pass intended for Tennessee Titans wide receiver Rishard Matthews (18) during a NFL football game at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback David Amerson (29) deflects a pass intended for Tennessee Titans wide receiver Rishard Matthews (18) during a NFL football game at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

The Secondary

A big part of Mack’s slow start this season and last was and is the coverage behind him. Quarterback’s can get rid of the ball quickly when their first reads are open. It would take a completely unblocked rusher to get to them in that case.

But when receivers get open quickly the quarterback doesn’t have to pat the ball too many times. Therefore, there’s very little time to get hits sacks and pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Bump-and-run coverage is designed to get pressure on the quarterback.

Holding receivers up at the line of scrimmage keeps them from getting where they want to be on time. And when they’re not there, the quarterback has to hold the ball, looking for another target. But cornerback Sean Smith lost his eye-discipline, especially on opening day.

If you don’t know what that is, I have an article out on the Raiders secondary that will explain it. Blown coverages, blown assignments and miscommunications figure into the equation as well. The Raiders have cleaned those things up so Mack will have time to get to the quarterback.

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