Oakland Raiders Could Still Have Championship D

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Nov 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) celebrates after scoring a touchdown on an interception against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Bottom Line

When a team with an okay record gets hot and makes the playoffs, we consider them a dangerous team. We don’t look at the sorry teams they lost to back in Week 5 because they are different now. And of course, we all know that defense wins championships.

It’s too late for Raiders to have a great statistical defense, the beginning of the season ruined that. But if the Raiders go into the playoffs with a hot defense, it can become a championship defense. They are already much better than what most of the media thinks.

Most of the media will tell you they don’t trust a defense that’s ranked No. 29 in the NFL. But what they’re not factoring in is that the Raiders have the No. 10-ranked defense over the last six games. That’s when Mack started the tear that he’s been on.

The Raiders are 9-2 for a reason and it’s not 100 percent Carr. That defense has been good lately and they have played well in the clutch, holding the lead late in games. Getting everyone back healthy and off suspension, the defense can go into the playoffs clicking.

Hence, they become a championship defense.

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