LAS VEGAS — Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham had no shortage of praise this week for the Chicago Bears offense. When asked about quarterback Caleb Williams and the overall growth of the unit, Graham highlighted two standout aspects: the physicality of the offensive line and the team’s speed across the field.
“The speed of their team is legitimate,” Graham stated. He highlighted how Minnesota approached the situation, how Dallas seemed unprepared, and how Williams’ maturity is becoming evident in his second NFL season (but first under head coach Ben Johnson). Graham’s observations are correct. Chicago has indeed appeared swift, explosive, and increasingly at ease.
However, here’s the catch: recognizing an opponent’s strengths is only half the challenge. Preparing to counter them is a different issue altogether, and the Raiders have yet to demonstrate that they can do so consistently.
Should Raiders fans be worried about Patrick Graham’s approach?
This is where Graham’s words feel more like acknowledgment than reassurance. He admires Williams’ decisiveness, Johnson’s adaptability, and the layered system building week by week. That’s fine, but Raiders fans have heard similar platitudes before—about Justin Herbert, Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and the rest of the league’s young stars. The question is whether Graham’s defense can move past respect and into resistance.
The Raiders didn’t hire Graham to be impressed. They hired him to scheme solutions, and too often, this unit has been reactive rather than proactive. Although Williams has shown maturity, Graham’s description suggests that Las Vegas was preparing for a seasoned veteran rather than a second-year quarterback still gaining experience. That matters because defensive coordinators are supposed to exploit inexperience, not romanticize progress.
Ben Johnson’s offense looks familiar…
Graham noted that Chicago’s offense resembles a continuation of Johnson’s playbook from Detroit, with layers being added each week. While this is a valid observation, the underlying implications are significant. Regardless of these layers, the Raiders must find answers. How can they limit Williams when he is outside the pocket? How do they disrupt the rhythm of a scheme that relies on tempo and spacing? Graham acknowledged the challenge but did not provide any insights into potential solutions.
Respecting an opponent is important, but elevating them to mythic status is a different matter. To have a chance on Sunday, the Raiders need Graham’s defense to take an aggressive approach. They cannot afford to sit back, admire Chicago’s speed, and simply hope it diminishes on its own. They need to hit Williams early, disrupt routes, and challenge that “legitimate” speed at the line of scrimmage.
Patrick Graham is right about one thing: Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams are a challenge. Challenges are meant to be confronted, not merely admired. This week, the Raiders have a chance to demonstrate that their defensive coordinator is not just skilled at identifying opposing strengths but also a problem-solver who can change the narrative. If they fail to do so, the accolades may come across as preemptive excuses.
Related: Bears Bringing Creative Threat To Patrick Graham’s Defense
*Top Photo: Associated Press