Run defense still a question mark in Oakland

By Brad Wilbricht  |   Monday, May 04, 2009  |  Comments( 52 )

Oakland Raiders
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With the NFL draft now complete, the Oakland Raiders’ focus turns back to the playing field. Minicamp action kicks off later this week and the Raiders will attempt to reverse their recent misfortunes over the last several years. However, even with new additions on defense, Oakland has yet to address its inability to defend the run.

While this year’s draft class is expected boost the Raiders’ performance on both sides of the ball, there were no reinforcements brought in to help a struggling run defense. Oakland ranked 31st in the league last year in rushing yards allowed and the success of the 2009 campaign will greatly depend on improvement in this area.

As of now, the Raiders’ starting defensive front four consists of Tommy Kelly, Gerard Warren, Jay Richardson and Derrick Burgess. Those players did little to impress a year ago, but new defensive line coach Dwaine Board will attempt to develop this into a productive group.

Board was a vital part of an immediate turnaround during his prior stint with the Seattle Seahawks. After the Seahawks’ run defense ranked last in the NFL in 2002, they improved to 19th in the league upon Board’s arrival in 2003. Al Davis and the rest of Raider Nation would be thrilled with a jump of that magnitude. Furthermore, Board has also managed to improve his defensive line’s pass-rushing abilities at each stop of his career.

In addition to Oakland’s returning players, two draftees will enter the mix along the defensive line. Matt Shaughnessy and Stryker Sulak will be counted on to enhance a lackluster attitude in the trenches. However, neither player appears to be a run-stopping specialist. Shaughnessy’s technique needs work, while Stryker struggles at the point of attack -- especially against bigger offensive linemen.

With Tom Cable beginning his first season as Oakland's head coach, instilling a hard-nosed approach on defense should be a top priority. Regardless of the playmakers and speed the Raiders’ offense now possesses, it’s a moot point if the defense doesn’t rise to the occasion. With the help of Board, a handful of newcomers and a fresh approach, things may be setting up for a defensive resurgence in the Bay Area.
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About Brad Wilbricht

Brad Wilbricht covers numerous sporting events including the NFL, NFL Draft and college football. His analysis is simulcast through several media outlets across the country. Additionally, Brad is a regular guest on a variety of talk radio shows and can be frequently heard on the airwaves. To...
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CommentsComments: 52  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
sMOKESCREEn		06:04 AM
05/04/2009
Cable has mentioned the rookie SS Mitchell as a key element to run support (and from some of the footage I've seen... I believe...
No.2
Spoakland		06:42 AM
05/04/2009
As I preached, over and over, before the draft, drafting a DT should be our top priority. Obviously, Al & Tom didn't think so....
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No.3
La Milicia Negra		07:18 AM
05/04/2009
Spoakland... regarding Barnes.. he may have been good in the pass-game in college, but in the PROs he has been horrid... just...
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