While the AFC West has a scary collection of pass rushers, Raiders QB Derek Carr will be facing plenty talent outside of its division.
It’s a well-known fact that the AFC West is a scary place for quarterbacks as there’s a surplus of frightening pass-rushers, something that isn’t lost on quarterback Derek Carr.
Just look at the opposition for further proof, Von Miller was the Super Bowl MVP in 2016, in 2015 Justin Houston led the league in sacks and last, but certainly not least, Joey Bosa is the 2016 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Interestingly, on the other side of the picture, the Oakland Raiders’ own Khalil Mack is the reigning and defending NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
While it would be accurate and incredibly easy just to accept this low-hanging fruit and build up a piece around these freaks of nature but that’s just too easy. Here at RaiderRamble.com, we like to dive deep in our coverage. So without further adieu, the top 5 pass rushers outside of the AFC West.
- Brandon Graham
- Cameron Wake
- Ryan Kerrigan
- Brian Orakpo
- Fletcher Cox
The “rush” is coming
Brian Orakpo is the most dangerous of all because he’s the freshest and he’s had all offseason to focus and prepare to make opening day a nightmare for Carr and the Raiders.
Brandon Graham was the third highest rated pass rusher behind Miller and Mack. Both he and Fletcher Cox make up the huge nasty curved and sharp talons the Philadelphia Eagles use to snatch up opposing quarterbacks. Cameron Wake forced five fumbles to go along with his 11.5 sacks for the Miami Dolphins in 2016. Meanwhile, Ryan Kerrigan has been a pass rushing beast for years, posting 11 sacks and two forced fumbles for the Washington Redskins.
There’s no shortage of talent that Carr will be facing as Raider Nation can see. If there’s one thing that can give him some sense of solace, it’s that he’ll have one of the best offensive lines protecting him and if last year was any indication the men above shouldn’t be near Carr too much, “Carr Insurance” hasn’t expired just yet.