Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham always his boys ready; in fact, they’re exemplifying the “next man up” mentality.
As the Silver and Black descend upon Denver this Sunday, the season has been quite a rollercoaster. Then again, when was the last time that a Raiders season wasn’t? Still, Graham’s defense has largely done its job. Yes, the statistics don’t scream “elite,” but the larger picture shows 2-2; that’s what matters.
Is there concern? Surely. Nonetheless, Graham has his defense in a state of alertness; they know things can change at the drop of a hat. When Malcolm Koonce went down, it was a devastating blow, but the team pressed forward. Then, the unit’s leader, Maxx Crosby, also had to sit. Without their stalwart pass-rushing extraordinaire, many defensive groups might’ve folded. Instead, the Raiders defense held the Cleveland Browns to 241 total yards of offense in Week 4. On top of that, the Browns converted just 30 percent of their third downs while giving up three sacks.
All of the injury concerns aside, you also have the drama surrounding Davante Adams. However, the fact is, the Denver Broncos don’t care about any of that. Graham is also aware of this—it doesn’t matter who can and can’t play; they need to handle their own business. He even said as much while addressing the media this week.
“Nobody cares what’s going on in our locker room. The opponent doesn’t care, just like Denver is not going to care on Sunday. So, our job is to show up and perform. We got to get better each day. That’s what we talk about, process over results. But it’s our job to produce on the field, one, for our fans, for ownership.”
Patrick Graham and the Raiders need to block out the noise…
Graham’s absolutely right; the Broncos, much like the Raiders, are 2-2, looking to move into the coveted second place in the AFC West. Unlike the Broncos, however, the Raiders are facing quite the number of distractions: injuries, Davante Adams, and even controversy surrounding head coach Antonio Pierce. At the end of the day, the show must go on, and by all accounts, Graham has his defense prepared for Denver.
“We expect next-man up mentality. That’s what we expect. Block out the noise, like AP has spoken about before. But great challenge this week with Denver. Love going to that stadium. It’s a beautiful stadium, and I heard the weather is going to be good and the sun’s going to be out. It’s going to be hard nose football, that’s how they play.”
Whether Crosby is 100 percent or not on Sunday, it’s going to take the entire defense to walk out of Denver with a win. All things considered; Week 5 might already be a season-defining moment for Graham’s ensemble.
*Top Photo: Getty Images