Oakland Raiders Could Still Have Championship D

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Nov 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) strips Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) of the ball in the final minute during a NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 45-42. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Khalil Mack

The Key to the improvements in the Raiders’ pass defense is Mack starting to figure it out. Many called Mack a slow starter but as a rookie and last year, he was just figuring things out. This year, he had to figure out how to beat the triple teams sent his way.

Edwards and Smith have yet to play a down this season so opposing teams can afford to triple team Mack. But at the end of the game, Mack showed that he figured out how to beat it. Of course, it all starts with reading it or knowing it’s coming.

He started with speed to the outside and as soon as the back showed up the took it inside slightly. Then he put a quick move on the tackle and the guard got there too late. After his slow start, that was Mack’s eighth sack in the last six games.

He’s bringing constant pressure so it’s no coincidence that the pass defense improved with Mack’s sack totals. Since Mack got going, the Raiders are allowing 100-less passing yards per game. When a defensive superstar is playing well, it lifts the whole unit.

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