With The First Pick
Fansided

Oakland Raiders in Good Shape After Huge Win

By Carl Cockerham

Oct 2, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Daren Bates (56) reacts after a turnover on downs by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Daren Bates (56) reacts after a turnover on downs by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 22, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws the ball over Oakland Raiders defensive end Mario Jr. Edwards (97) during the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws the ball over Oakland Raiders defensive end Mario Jr. Edwards (97) during the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Star Defensive Lineman Returning Soon

Many have already forgotten DE/DT Mario Edwards Jr., the most underrated player on the team. He is a dominant player against the run and rushing the passer but you never hear about him. Of course, won’t hear about him now as he is out with hip injury.

But the media never talked about him before because he never put up the sexy numbers. But they should when he gets back because what he does affects Mack’s production. He’s the second-best player on that front-7 but he’s most dangerous to opposing QB.

Whoever lines up closest to the QB is considered the most dangerous to him. That’s why offenses double and triple-team good interior defensive linemen on nearly every play. No center in the NFL can keep Edwards on the QB by himself.

So that guard can’t slide over to double Mack when he has his hands full with Edwards. And his interior rush will leave opposing QBs with nowhere to step up when Mack beats his man outside. I can’t wait to see what he Edwards and Aldon Smith get be back.

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