How Aldon Smith Makes Oakland Raiders D Better

Nov 8, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Aldon Smith (99) celebrates a sack as Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) lays injured on the ground during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 38-35. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /

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NFL: Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos /

Makes Mack Better

Smith’s ability to set the edge and rush the passer on a left tackle allows Mack to move back to SAM. The Defensive Player of the Year is a much better player at SAM than he is at LEO. That in itself made the Raiders run defense better because Mack destroys TEs.

He destroys them so quickly, he gets to inside runs and outside runs on his side. This is important because an overwhelmingly disproportionate percentage of run plays in the NFL are to the strong side. That puts Mack in play more in the running game.

In the passing game, opposing teams won’t be able to double and triple-team him as much. In his five-sack game against the Denver Broncos, he saw one-on-one blocking and took advantage. The Broncos didn’t do that to disrespect Mack, they felt they had no choice.

Edwards, who commands double-teams, was lined up inside of him and Smith was on the other side. You can’t send all your blockers to one edge rusher with the other one just as much of a threat. So Smith will send Mack to his best position and take attention away.

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