What We Learned About the Oakland Raiders Thursday Night

NFL Defensive Player of the Year

On the big stage Thursday night, edge-rusher Khalil Mack strengthened his case for NFL Defensive Player of the year. He got off to his usual slow start then took over the second half of the game. He’s actually done that all year but Thursday night the offense didn’t show up.

Down 21-10 and halftime, the Raiders defense came up with two turnovers to start the second half. The first was an interception by slot-corner T.J. Carrie and the second, a strip-sack by Mack. But all the Raiders got was three points out of the two turnovers.

Mack had one sack on the night to give him at least one in the last eight games. He has 11 sacks this season, still trailing Von Miller by 2.5 sacks but you can run right at Miller. Mack showed Thursday night that you cannot run right at him.

He was dominant against the run, helping the Raiders hold the Chiefs to 65 yards on 27 carries. Mack’s all-around game helped the Raiders hold the Chiefs scoreless in the second half. It also makes him the NFL’s most dominant defensive player.