The Raiders have a pair of rising star linebackers in Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard. However, behind the "Law Firm" there is a steep drop off. With the Raiders running a base 4-3 defense, there has to be a third linebacker that is better than "serviceable." Beyond Morrison and Howard, the Raiders linebacking corps consists primary of very good special teams players, and no true third starting linebacker.
Ricky Brown started the season as the starting outside linebacker flanking Morrison's other side, but he went down to injuries midseason leaving at various times Robert Thomas, Jon Aslton, and Sam Williams in the starting role. None of the four stood out at any time. Each had a few big plays, but there was no consistency from that position at all, which was a big factor in the Raiders porous run defense.
This is not to let the big two off the hook for having less than stellar years. Morrison was solid, leading the team with 135 tackles, but he lacked the big plays in the passing game that had defined his rise in 2007. Howard was able to use his speed well to run down plays, but he would often over-pursue, which would allow the rusher a cutback lane and big yards.
Missed tackles was an issue with this entire group of 'backers. Often times it would appear that they had a runner trapped for either a loss or a short gain, but they would not be able to bring down the runner. They also took a step back in coverage. In 07 Morrison and Howard combined for ten interceptions, but in 08 they combined for only two.
It seemed that the backers were often out of position on the short throws over the middle, which allowed opposing teams to rack up yards in chunks. Allowing these short catches, combined with the missed tackles and over pursuit showed an overall lack of discipline for a unit that has to play disciplined football to succeed.
In run support, it is incumbent on the 'backers to control their gaps so that the runners can't get through them. Instead of staying in their gaps, the Raiders defenders broke to the ball carrier far too often leaving an open gap for the back to get through for significant yards. It did not help matters that the defensive line was not getting the penetration needed to allow the 'backers to move free, but they need to play much more disciplined.
The Raiders would do well to bring in a third top flight linebacker. Isaiah Ekejiuba, Jon Alston, and Ricky Brown are very good depth players, as well as great special teams contributors, but the Raiders need a third linebacker to shut off the run.
SEE ALSO:
No Easy Answers for Raiders' Defense
Defensive needs and wants: Thoughts from the Senior Bowl
Raiders need to build a defense
RECENT HEADLINES:
Comments
Morrison didnt even come close to a solid year..The dude cant shed a simple block,he finds someone to block him or he goes the wrong way..Go back and watch some games with eyes open..He's out of position -- slow -- can't cover a FB,RB,TE in pass and makes NO plays.. Not what you want at MLB!! Ray lewis at his worst is 10 times better than morrison.. Howard had the solid year,he showed he has the speed and power to be a force in the NFL..You want to see cut back on,watch morrison in the jets game.pats,pbuff,san.and you will see cut backs..I counted 6 tackles during a game and noticed they gave morri credit for 12,so I counted the rest of the games and they were off by 4-6 every game..I guess being in the same frame as a man scores a td (untouched) counts as a tackle for morri.. We need to get a real MLB,and when the next d-coord comes in and isnt AL's pet,you will see the change!!
We need a MLB who can take on a block and lay some lumber. Move Morrison outside. We have no physical presence at the LB position.
I believe their are some good OLB's who will be UFA's at the end of the season. Players like L.Hill from Seattle or B.Poppinga from Green Bay.
Poppinga is the favorite, he plays the LOLB(strong side) position and has experience in a 4-3 defense that plays a lot of man to man coverage, LIKE the Oakland Raiders.
Signing a guy like Poppinga/Tank Johnson would vastly improve this teams rush defense being that both are run-stoppers in the running game.
P.S..........Both are UFA's.
I believe their are some good OLB's who will be UFA's at the end of the season. Players like L.Hill from Seattle or B.Poppinga from Green Bay.
Poppinga is the favorite, he plays the LOLB(strong side) position and has experience in a 4-3 defense that plays a lot of man to man coverage, LIKE the Oakland Raiders.
Signing a guy like Poppinga/Tank Johnson would vastly improve this teams rush defense being that both are run-stoppers in the running game.
P.S..........Both are UFA's.
DRaft MauaLuga if hes still on the board at pick 7
What we need is for our DTs to occupy the center and guards. If that happened Kirk would be making a lot more plays in the backfield. You are right about us needing a Strong Side LB. That has been a weakness for years now. Maybe we'll find one in the draft?
Ray Lewis is not just a great talent. He is the heart and soul of their 'D' and sets the tone for the whole 'D', making them a nasty unit with an identity. We have no identity and no physical presence. I agree that Maualuga would be a great pick and bring some of what Lewis brings to the Ravens. We could also move down a few spots and still select him. How much better would we have been if we did not wasted the money on Hall and Walker and picked up Jenkins (Jets). If you are going to keep Morrision in the Middle, then we will need at the very least one player like Jenkins.
Oakland should draft Rey Maualuga out of USC and or try and bring in Rey Lewis that should really help out that over paid D-line
The Raiders need to find aggressive players. They do not have one player on defense who teams fear for their hitting ability. Their linebacker are soft, the safety are adequate at best and there is no defensive line. The offensive line needs to be replaced. Mario Henderson had a couple good games but its what we don't know about him that scares everyone. Is he as good as he played or did he just have a couple of good games. It will hurt if we don't try and bring in a high draft pick tackle and then Henderson returns to his old ways and is not consistant and we are stuck with him as the starter. If he is ready to take over and we bring in a tackle it will take care of the right tackle position. The rest of the offensive line is horrible so the best we can hope for is we find one other adequate offensive lineman to go with our draft pick so at least we can replace one of the remaining three because all of them suck, and please, no speech about Gallery and how he has improved. He has done what he could always do and that is run block and nothing else. He is still completely confused whenever he is ask to pass block. All you have to do against Gallery is run any kind of stunt and he is lost. Gallery is on the roster because of his contract not his skills.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!