With The First Pick
Fansided

Oakland Raiders Could Still Have Championship D

By Carl Cockerham

November 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) strips the football from Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during the fourth quarter at Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 35-32. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) strips the football from Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during the fourth quarter at Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 35-32. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) runs with the ball as Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Perry Riley (54) defends during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Oakland Raiders defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) runs with the ball as Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Perry Riley (54) defends during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Oakland Raiders defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Run Defense

Smith sets a hard edge and Edwards Jr. plays the run well from the anterior as well. That also puts Mack back at SAM, where he destroys tight ends and is impossible to run on. The Raiders have already improved on allowing 135 rushing yards per in their first four games.

Then in Week 5, Raiders had an injury too many at the inside linebacker position. So they signed Perry Riley and he made an impact against the San Diego Chargers three days later. Then he inexplicably didn’t start the next week against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chiefs then went on to rush for 183 yards and beat the Raiders 26-10. Riley pulled his hamstring in Week 11 against the Houston Texans and their running game got going right after. The run defense is clearly better when Riley is in the lineup.

In games that Riley has started and finished, the Raiders have given up only 78 yards per game. He didn’t play against the Panthers Sunday but he’s practicing on should be back. When he’s back with Smith, Edwards and Mack back at SAM, the run defense will improve more.

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