Lack of pass rush named Raiders biggest weakness heading into 2020 season

If the Raiders are going to compete in the AFC this season, they have to find a way to slow down good offenses. Over the last two seasons, the team has allowed an average of 34 points to eventual playoff teams. They just haven’t been able to stop any noteworthy offenses since 2018.

For the team to improve in this area, they have to find a way to generate a more consistent pass rush. The Raiders are relying on several young players to make a leap, but will that be enough?

In a recent article by Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, he named each team’s biggest concern heading into the 2020 season. For the Raiders, a lack of a consistent pass-rush was listed and it’s hard to disagree. Here is a snippet of Knox’s thoughts on the Raiders’ defensive line:

The Raiders amassed just 32 sacks as a team in 2019, with 10 of those coming from rookie Maxx Crosby. Fellow rookie and fourth overall draft pick Clelin Ferrell was responsible for a disappointing 4.5 sacks alongside him.

Las Vegas did little to address the pass rush this offseason, aside from signing Carl Nassib—though signing a player like Jadeveon Clowney or Everson Griffen before the regular season remains an option.

While Knox did make several key points about the team’s pass-rush, he failed to mention the acquisition of defensive tackle Maliek Collins, who is one of the better pass-rushing defensive tackles in the NFL. He and Maurice Hurst should help provide more pass-rush inside and if one of Crosby or Ferrell can make a leap, this defensive line has a chance to be significantly improved compared to last season.

Keep an eye on the Raiders’ defensive line during camp and in the early stages of the season as their play should have a direct correlation to wins and losses. How the Raiders’ pass rush performs in 2020 will likely decide if they are a playoff team or not.