Raiders' Defense has Fallen Apart During Losing Streak

Through three games the Raiders were 3-0 and riding a defensive high. But after three consecutive losses, the defense looks more than vulnerable. 

After holding the Dolphins, Chargers and Saints to an average of 18 points per game, the Raiders have allowed at least 30 points in the last three games. That is where the problems lie in Las Vegas. 

How the Raiders started 3-0

When Las Vegas jumped out to a 3-0 start, the defense was one of the best in the NFL. Las Vegas ranked second in expected points added on defense and were especially tough against the pass, ranking first in EPA.

The defense was making plays. Las Vegas had 10 sacks and forced nine turnovers in those first three meetings. 

The Raiders’ edge rushers were making plays in the backfield. Maxx Crosby, Malcolm Koonce and Kwity Paye were all involved in multiple sacks in those first three games. Meanwhile, the second and third levels were taking the ball away. Rookie cornerback Hezekiah Masses picked off three passes across two games. Linebacker Nakobe Dean forced a league-high three fumbles in those first three games. 

The defense made big play after big play, but also shut games down. 

The Dolphins, Chargers and Saints all failed to score in the fourth quarter. The Raiders were able to hold onto leads in the first two weeks of the season thanks to defensive shutouts in the final 15 minutes. Then the defense not only prevented the Saints from scoring, but took the ball away on New Orleans’ final four possessions to help spur a comeback. 

The defense was dominant. 

How the Raiders fell to 3-3

Then it all stopped. 

During the last three weeks, the Raiders defense ranks 32nd in EPA. They fell from second to dead last. The run defense is struggling at 29th in EPA, but the pass defense, which was first, has been the worst in the league over the last three games. 

The big plays stopped. 

Over the last three games the Raiders have just five sacks. Star pass rusher Maxx Crosby has only managed half of a sack in these three games and no one else has picked up the slack. 

The interceptions and fumbles have dried up, as Las Vegas has just one takeaway since Week 3. Masses has been benched and Dean hasn’t knocked a ball loose in recent games. The Raiders were relying on big plays to get stops and win games. Once those vanished, the wins did too. 

Plus, the fourth quarter dominance ceased. After allowing no fourth quarter points in the first three games, Las Vegas has allowed 40 over the last three. That is 13.3 points allowed on average in the fourth quarter after surrendering just 18 per game in the first three weeks. 

The opponents changed