The Raiders defense had an opportunity to rebound on Sunday playing one of the worst offenses in the NFL. And that is just what they did helping the Silver and Black improve their record to 5-2 with a 33-16 victory over the Jaguars. How did the defense grade during the win?
Pass Defense
David Amerson and Reggie Nelson both recorded interceptions (not hard to do against Bortles). Amerson's in particular was a key play as it occurred in the endzone preventing the Jaguars from a chance at points early in the game. This secondary did a great job containing Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns, and Julius Thomas. Laugh all you want about Bortles, but those three players are dangerous and the Raiders successfully kept them in check.
Khalil Mack registered his third sack of the season and Bruce Irvin almost added one of his own. But overall, Blake Bortles had too much time to throw in this game. Solid play in the secondary bailed out this front seven and their lack of an ability to create a pass rush. The positive is that this team is one week closer to the return of Mario Edwards and possibly Aldon Smith. If the Raiders are 5-2 without a pass rush, imagine the possibilities when those two return.
Grade: A
Run Defense
On paper, allowing 105 rushing yards against a Jaguars team that previously averaged 70 does not look great. But 42 of those yards came on one run so aside from that play, the Raiders were able to hold the tandem of Chris Ivory and T.J. Yeldon to just 63 rushing yards.
The Raiders interior line was great throughout this game and routinely stuffed Jaguars when they ran up the gut. The yards they did manage on the ground came on the outside when the Raiders occasionally lost contain. Overall, this was an encouraging performance after struggling all year to stop the run.
Grade: B+
Coaching
The matchups were much better in this game and it showed by the play of the defense. There were a few times when the Jaguars had a big play to push the ball into the redzone, but Ken Norton and the defense held them to three field goals and one touchdown during garbage time. With his job in question, Norton and his defense delivered a solid performance on the road.
Grade: A
Overall Defensive Grade: A-
Special Teams
Marquette "The Magician" King continued his reign as the best punter in football both with his leg and his wheels. King averaged 54.6 yards per punt and pinned the Jaguars inside the 20 on four out of his five attempts. He also picked up a bad snap in the fourth quarter and ran for over 30-yards for a first down.
Sebastian Janikowski was money converting all four of his field goal attempts including a 52-yards. Seabass was also three for three on extra points.
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