Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak addressed a slow start from the pass rush in his recent press conference, saying third-down execution “was not good enough” in the first half against Arizona.
Kubiak noted the Cardinals attacked man coverage effectively and framed the fix as a joint issue: “The coverage and the pass rush has to work together, and we’ll continue to improve it.” He did not detail specific scheme adjustments, obviously.
This issue extends beyond just one preseason half. The absence of perennial Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby highlighted the lack of depth in the Raiders’ pass rush behind their top defender. If opposing offensive lines can effectively manage without facing Crosby, it will provide offensive coordinators with a strategy for the regular season.
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It also puts early pressure on new pieces in the front seven and secondary to gel quickly, since Kubiak explicitly linked coverage busts to the lack of rush. With roster cuts approaching and the depth chart still being sorted, the edge rusher and cornerback/safety competition just got more scrutiny. A defender who can win one-on-one or disguise coverage without needing five extra seconds of pressure has a clearer path to a roster spot.
So, what now?
What’s next for this Raiders defense…
Expect Kubiak’s defensive staff to lean on more disguised coverages and blitz packages in joint practices and the next preseason outing to manufacture pressure without relying solely on Crosby, while roster evaluators watch closely for edge depth answers before final cuts. These final two games will be pivotal for some of those players.
What do you think, Raiders fans? Scheme issue, personnel issue or maybe just some preseason rust with Crosby out? Let us know below.
*Top Photo: Ramble Illustration/Getty Images
Game day reps are so important , you can’t simulate that in practice. They don’t have full pads on for most of their practices. And they don’t hit like a game.It will take 2 or 3 regular season games before we know what we have. Today’s NFL is soft as opposed to the 70’s and 80’s and even later. No 2 a day full pads practices for the players today.