To halt the Jacksonville Jaguars’ attack, the Las Vegas Raiders needed a strong defensive line performance. Maxx Crosby and Neil Farrell Jr. were two of the Raiders’ highest-rated players according to Pro Football Focus, despite the defensive line’s poor play. Let’s analyze the unit’s performance against the Jaguars’ passing and rushing offense.
Another week, another abysmal pass-rushing performance by the Raiders’ D-line.
Trevor Lawrence went into Sunday’s contest having been shown to be turnover-prone. Some pressure and sacks should’ve resulted in turnovers for the Raiders defense. The Raiders’ defensive line, though, was unable to truly affect Lawrence and make an impact. Lawrence was at ease in the pocket (especially in the second half) and picked apart the Raiders’ secondary. Lawrence accumulated 235 yards and threw for a touchdown. By the game’s conclusion, he had a 109.0 quarterback rating.
After a zero-sack performance, Las Vegas continues to be last in total sacks this season. If Crosby doesn’t have a monster game rushing the passer, the Raiders will continue to be the worst pass-rushing team in the league. Guys like Chandler Jones, Clelin Ferrell, and Malcolm Koonce haven’t given the Raiders enough production to be able to mount a consistent pass rush. Also, why is the coaching staff scratching Tashawn Bower every game if they need help rushing the passer?
Travis Etienne and the Jaguars’ offense ran wild.
Against the Jaguars, the Raiders’ defense allowed a total of 168 running yards and two touchdowns. In the first half, the Raiders’ run defense appeared strong because Travis Etienne was being contained. Lawrence threw a toss to Jamycal Hasty that was mishandled, and Crosby recovered the ball. Etienne, however, took off after the break and ended the game with 109 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Etienne was the first running back to surpass 100 rushing yards against the Raiders.
The ineffectiveness of the Raiders’ line upfront was on full display. By the time Etienne passed the first level of the defense, it was over. Although we anticipated that Etienne would get his, we did not anticipate Lawrence’s rushing outburst. Lawrence finished the contest with a season-high 53 yards on the ground. Las Vegas lost a few crucial first downs as a result of their inability to recognize Lawrence’s rushing potential.
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*Top Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images