Once upon a time, there would be no questions about it, the Raiders season would extend at least until this weekend. That hasn't been a realistic thought for the past seven years, but there are lessons that the Raiders should be taking away from these games.
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(AP Photo)
Defense still wins championships:
Sure, the offense gets so much more glory, but in each of the games thus far this post season, the team that could come up with the defensive plays won the game. Even in the Green Bay-Arizona shootout, Arizona won becuase of the defensive plays early that spotted them a lead, and clinched it on a defensive play in overtime. The Jets have rode their defense to two wins, not asking their rookie quarterback to carry the game.
All of the losing teams in this weekend's round of the playoffs were held to 14 points or less. That included the Arizona Cardinals who had put up 51 points the week before. If a defense can hold the opposition to 14 points, the offense should be able to score enough to win a game.
The Raiders focus the last few years have been offensive skill positions, ignoring needs on the defense. The Raiders will need to reevaluate their defensive situation to be competitive.
Win in the trenches:
The games are won and lost in the trenches. The teams that won the battle at the line of scrimmage won the game. The Jets line was able to open enough creases for the Jets to run the ball. The Colts were able to protect Peyton Manning from the ferocious Ravens defense. The Vikings defensive front made life miserable for Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys.
One of the hallmarks of their seven year slide has been a weakness in the trenches. Their issues with stopping the run are well documented, as are their inconsistent pass rush. The Raiders have improved their pass rush this year, but their defensive line still needs beef in the middle. The offensive line also needs to be reevaluated. They do hold culpability in the Raiders offensive issues. They have to be able to protect whomever will be the quarterback next season, as well as open holes in the running game.
Strong quarterback play:
There of the four teams are led by elite quarterbacks, and the fourth has a quarterback who has been able to avoid mistakes. Mark Sanchez has led the Jets to the AFC Championship games by handing the ball to their stable of running backs and not making mistakes in the passing game. He did throw one interception, but his team rallied around him and was able to overcome that mistake. The remaining quarterbacks include the first runner up for NFL MVP in Drew Brees and future Hall of Famers Peyton Manning and Brett Favre.
The Raiders have not had any type of leadership at quarterback since Rich Gannon left the building. Bruce Gradkowski finally showed some flashes of leadership late in the season, but it was too late to turn the team's fortunes around. The Raiders have important decisions to make in this area, as they have to figure out what they are going to do with former first overall pick JaMarcus Russell.
Patrick Patterson's other writings:
Comments
Yes, Yes, Yes.....I have been screaming for playoff caliber talent on the lines in Oakland since the early 90s. It is all about matchups and it starts with the lines, this is where the game is won. Coaching is important but you have to have the best talent on the lines first. Likewise, the skill positions are important but they are nothing unless the lines are winning their matchups. If I was drafting, the Raiders would not have passed on the Debrickishaw Ferguson at LT , Nick Mangold at center, Logan Mankins at LG and Haloti Nagota at DT. Simply put, the Raiders would be relying on the very best "O" and "D" lines in football and the Raiders, not the Steelers would be the envy of the football world.
Historically Davis has been infatuated with two positions. Those positions being CB and OL. He has been quoted saying " The CB position is to football what the center position is to basketball, you can't win without a great one". OK, we are still staying with that idea. Second, Davis likes his OL big and dominating. He has stated that an O-Lineman will loose his speed over time but never loose his size. What happened to building a great OL? This is not staying with the Raider tradition. Great O-Lines have always been a Raider trademark and one reason why we won. I don't know why we have gotten away from this the last several years. FA might be a tough year for picking up help on the OL. In all likelyhood Henderson will be staying put at LT. So what do you do with the #8 pick? It is too high for taking a C,G or RT. Break the bank, sign Mankins and pick up a RT and C in the 2nd and 3rd round.
Good article today Patrick. There seem to be a good class of Offensive tackles coming out this year but very few difference makers on defensive end, nose tackle and Middle linebacker.If I was in charge of the draft I would probably take MLB Rolando McClain if available or a big offensive tackle such as Anthony Davis.If I got McClain I would then take an offensive tackle in the 2nd round. If I took an OT in the first I would go with a big nose tackle such as Terrance Cody if still available. Then I would go for some depth at O line with the next pick(don't we have 2 second round picks this year?). Then the best available lineman, offense or defense. Followed by a possible replacement for Rout. Best available athletes after that.
Please....no more skill positions until the Raider lines are made dominant.
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