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Oakland Raiders Will Have a Dominant Defense

By Carl Cockerham

Sep 13, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive back Larry Asante (42) reacts after the defense stopped the Cincinnati Bengals offense on third down in the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Bengals defeated the Raiders 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive back Larry Asante (42) reacts after the defense stopped the Cincinnati Bengals offense on third down in the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Bengals defeated the Raiders 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 6, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) is pressured by Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) and defensive tackle Dan Williams (90) during an NFL football game at O.co Coliseum. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) is pressured by Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) and defensive tackle Dan Williams (90) during an NFL football game at O.co Coliseum. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Dan Williams

Justin Ellis is the best backup nose tackle in the NFL but he’s not Dan Williams. Ellis started early this season because Williams, a run-stuffer with surprising pass-rush ability , went to camp out of shape. So he started the season low in the rotation and the defense got run on.

But Williams gradually played his into shape for the San Diego Chargers Sunday. He started and had the lion’s share of the team’s defensive snaps at nose tackle. And he made his presence felt, improving the run defense in that game.

The Raiders gave up their lowest rushing total (72 yards) and average per carry (3.8) of this season. He also rushed the passer well and had a half a sack for the cherry on top. It was good for the Raiders to see Williams back in form.

He alone didn’t improve the Raiders’ run defense but he was a huge factor in the improvement. That’s what he’s always done so there’s no reason to believe that won’t continue. Look for the Raiders to finish the season much higher than No. 27 in run defense.

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