Las Vegas Raiders' biggest strength in 2024 was considered a huge weakness last season
It's easy for people who do not follow the Las Vegas Raiders as closely as some of us media and fans to think that this team will be the same old Raiders that they saw the last two years, and, I'm not mad at them for that. Let's be honest, that very well could be […]
It's easy for people who do not follow the Las Vegas Raiders as closely as some of us media and fans to think that this team will be the same old Raiders that they saw the last two years, and, I'm not mad at them for that.
Let's be honest, that very well could be the case for the 2024 season. However, it does feel a bit different given all of the moves they have made this offseason.
Let's start with what their biggest weakness was last season. Quarterback. Okay, got it. That one was fixed, maybe, when you factor in that the starter form last season in Aidan O'Connell has a season under his belt and now has a full offseason where he doesn't have to worry about rookie things. Oh, and the guy battling for his spot is better than Jimmy Garoppolo was last season.
Okay, so their biggest weakness from last season isn't their biggest strength going into this season. However, their second biggest weakness from last season is now the biggest strength by far.
Their defensive line to start last season was so questionable. We didn't quite know how good Malcolm Koonce would be and the defensive tackle position was bad. Maxx Crosby was really the only bright spot.
Of course, then Koonce had a crazy season. And now, the Raiders have signed one of the best defensive tackles in the league. The defensive line is by far their biggest strength, and Pro Football Focus thinks so as well.
Biggest strength in 2023: Defensive Line
Maxx Crosby finally has help along the defensive line. Not only did Malcolm Koonce quietly have a strong third season in the league, but the team signed Christian Wilkins away from the Dolphins in the offseason to bolster the defensive front. Also featuring on the interior defensive line are John Jenkins and Adam Butler, who both bring plenty of veteran experience. A potential wild card along this defensive line is 2023 first-round pick Tyree Wilson. Wilson had a rough go his rookie year, but if he can have the breakout second season this team is hoping for, then this defensive line could be among the most dangerous in the league.
The Raiders have also added some depth at the position by bringing some of those guys back to play behind Christian Wilkins. Oh, and let's not forget how much better Tyree Wilson was at the end of his rookie season last year compared to the beginning. From everything we have seen and heard from OTAs, Wilson is much better already.
The Raiders' biggest strength is by far their defensive line. And, let's also not forget the biggest reason why it's their biggest strength: Maxx Crosby, the best defensive player in the league.
Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby claims he and his teammates have seen a UFO
The Raiders have one of their own.
