Raiders' defense takes a hit before battle
The Las Vegas Raiders are on a roll right now, as they could walk out of SoFi Stadium with their fourth straight win. However, there is still something that could hold them back on Thursday Night Football. During this three-game win streak, we know the offense has been stellar. Davante Adams, Josh Jacobs, and even […]
The Las Vegas Raiders are on a roll right now, as they could walk out of SoFi Stadium with their fourth straight win. However, there is still something that could hold them back on Thursday Night Football.
During this three-game win streak, we know the offense has been stellar. Davante Adams, Josh Jacobs, and even Derek Carr have been on fire. We know that though because it's what everyone is talking about.
No one is talking about the defense though, which has really stepped up. I'm not saying they have cemented themselves as a top defense in the league, but they are getting the job done much more efficiently than before.
Their defense has definitely taken a hit heading into Week 14, though. Against the Rams, they will be without three of their key defenders.
According to the Raiders' injury report, they will be without three key defenders in defensive tackle Andrew Billings, linebacker Jayon Brown, and cornerback Rock Ya-Sin.
Ya-Sin has been, in my opinion, the second-best cornerback for the Raiders this year, and you could maybe argue the best when considering how much time Nate Hobbs has missed this season.
Ya-Sin isn't a name guys talk a whole lot about, and maybe it's because of the defense he is on, but he has been very good this season. Not having him out there on Thursday could hurt the Raiders' pass defense.
Yeah, the Rams are without Mathew Stafford and Cooper Kupp, but they still have other guys who can make plays, including Van Jefferson, Allen Robinson, and Tyler Higbee.
Andrew Billings has been a big part of the run-stop defense up front that has been seemingly better than before. He isn't a guy that will fill the stat sheet, but he helps others get their job done.
Jayon Brown is playing a position that has already been beaten up this year at linebacker. Devine Diablo is still on the injured reserve list but is designated to return next week. Since then, it has been a lot of Perryman and Brown.
The Raiders' defense is a bit beat up, but they should still be ready to battle come Thursday.
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