Why Raiders' Defense Will Decide 2026 Ceiling

When you are a team in the NFL with a good defense, it makes the job of the offense easier. They know they have a defense that could step up and give them a great chance to win the game, or even get them the ball back when they need it the most. A defense could be the difference between having an okay season and a good one. We have seen some good offenses have a great season, but the defense did not do its part, and it cost them games.

Raiders Defense Has To Set the Tone

For the Silver and Black, they have a new defensive coordinator in Rob Leonard, who is very familiar with some of the players on this defense. He is one of the top up-and-coming defensive coordinators in the NFL. He will get to show what he can do with this Raiders defense. They are giving him a good group to work with. To start it off, he has the best defensive player in the NFL in Maxx Crosby. Crosby gives Leonard a lot of credit for helping him become the player he is now.

Leonard also got a good group of free agent linebackers in the middle of his defense, causing chaos. One of them will be a good leader, making sure the defense is in order on each play. The defense also drafted some young, talented players who will have a role in the secondary. That was a struggle for the defense last season.

Connectivity Has To Be There

Overall, the Raiders' defense next season has to be a unit that plays together. Helping each other out in any way they can. The defensive line has to get to the quarterback. The linebackers have to command the middle of the defense, and the secondary has to have good coverage.