The Las Vegas Raiders will rely on their defense to make it to the postseason in 2024.
After an impressive finish to the 2023 season, the Raiders expect to be one of the best units in the league, especially after some new additions, including superstar defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.
Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham leads a unit that plays with intensity and outscores its opponent, no matter who is on the other side of the ball.
Not only are the Raiders a strong team on the field, they also have several high IQ players. Having several players who know what the offense is going to do is an incredible luxury.
The Raiders have one of these highly intelligent players at every level of defense: defensive end Maxx Crosby, linebacker Robert Spillane and safety Marcus Epps.
Crosby is obsessed with film. He constantly watches film and analyzes what the opponents are doing so he knows where to be at all times. Having a player like Crosby who is so relentless at the snap and rarely makes mistakes is fortunate for the Raiders and unfortunate for their opponent.
Crosby also watches the offensive linemen and studies their tendencies so he knows what to expect. Just a few weeks ago at Sack Summit, he taught other edge rushers to do the same and is truly in love with the art of attacking the passer.
It’s incredibly helpful for the defensive line to have a star player like Crosby, who is obsessed with perfecting his game and knowing what the opposing team is going to do before the snap.
Spillane wears the green dot for Graham’s defense, meaning he is the player Graham communicates with. Spillane calls out attack formations and tells players where to be.
Spillane was a great free agent who plays flawless football and understands his own role and that of everyone else on defense. Having him behind Crosby gives the team two intelligent players on defense.
Another valuable free agent signing who remains on the last line of defense, Epps is a tackling machine who is constantly near the football in the run game and in coverage.
Not only did he play well on his own last season, but his presence helped Tre’von Moehrig have a comeback season.
The robber These smart and talented players have helped other players on defense play well, which has led to them performing well as a unit. The Raiders will rely on these three again in 2024.
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