Oakland Raiders: Defense is squishy inside
The biggest thing standing in the way of Oakland taking the next big step in its development is inside linebacker, and the middle of the field in general.
Last season, tight ends ate the Raiders for breakfast, catching 80 passes for 1,027 yards and seven touchdowns. Oakland’s defense was also poor against the run, allowing 1,881 yards (No. 23 in the NFL) and 18 rushing touchdowns (No. 25).
Making things even more interesting, the Raiders lost starting linebacker Malcolm Smith and defensive tackle Stacy McGee to free agency. Now they’ll be counting on Cory James at inside linebacker (hardly a confidence booster). They team likely hopes rookie Eddie Vanderdoes works his way into the rotation, because he’s a big guy who can make a big difference if he’s motivated and on his game.
But overall, the Raiders are like that super tough candy with a squishy middle. Opposing teams have found a way to punch a hole through the outer crust en route to feasting on the squishy middle. That can’t happen this year if the Raiders have a chance of beating the best of the best.