Raiders' DC explains the daunting task of preparing for Justin Herbert
The Las Vegas Raiders are still riding high on their overtime win over the Los Angeles Chargers last season. The win is what allowed them to make the playoffs, submitting 2022 as a successful season. This year can be better for the Raiders, in terms of how they finish the season. Last year, they lost […]
The Las Vegas Raiders are still riding high on their overtime win over the Los Angeles Chargers last season. The win is what allowed them to make the playoffs, submitting 2022 as a successful season.
This year can be better for the Raiders, in terms of how they finish the season. Last year, they lost to the team who went on to lose the Super Bowl.
To get back to the playoffs, they must first take care of business on Sunday.
The Raiders will still have to deal with Justin Herbert and the Chargers, again, in Week 1, and it won't be easy. Game planning against a young, talented quarterback like him can't be easy.
But, it can be done, and the Raiders will try to on Sunday.
"He's [Herbert] such an impressive quarterback back there in the pocket," Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham told media on Thursday. "And then on top of that, having the athletic ability, but also having the athletic ability and being able to have the vision down the field.
"That's probably the first thing you talk about because there are explosive plays that are planned, then there is explosive plays that are off schedule, and you just have got to keep emphasizing it. But he has plenty of stuff that is not off schedule… so, really the emphasis remains the same. Defend the deep part of the field."
Graham is right, to an extent. Yes, coverage and taking care of the plays downfield are crucial. However, I think the pressure you put on Herbert is even more crucial to a successful game.
Herbert has shown the potential to not only be an MVP but to be the best quarterback in the league in a few years or even this year.
Herbert is great at nearly everything you need to be great at as an NFL quarterback. If there is one thing he needs to work on, it's his footwork in the pocket while being pressured.
If Maxx Crosby, Chandler Jones, and the rest of the defensive line can put pressure on Herbert, he will fold at times. Having great coverage won't be enough, they have to pressure him.
He is too good to give too much time to in the pocket. If he does, he will easily make any team they play, pay.
If the Raiders can go out and get a win in their season opener, the momentum will be great for the start of the season, and only help them with reaching the ultimate goal.
However, it starts with game planning for Herbert.
Featured Image Via Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
