Raiderstation

If we're really gonna run a 3-4 then these depth charts should show it. Our line should consist of Hemingway, Laula, and Fatukasi with Crosby and Paye as our OLBs. Crosby played linebacker in high school. The position is not entirely strange to him.

The ultimate test is Raider defense vs a mobile QB like Willis. We'll see if Crosby freelances and leaves wide open lanes, or if they run dog shit blitzes that hit the same gap in a log jam that has zero effect and leaves guys wide open/open run lane to the outside. The classic clownery we've been accustomed to or not

So far it looks like they're running a 4 man line. Why they wanna trade Crosby I'll never understand. They finally found another bookend for him to pair with in Paye.

erickench wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2026 12:56 pm So far it looks like they're running a 4 man line. Why they wanna trade Crosby I'll never understand. They finally found another bookend for him to pair with in Paye.

Who says they want to trade Crosby? They traded him to Baltimore because he privately demanded a trade.

After his experience of being treated like shit by Baltimore he is happy with the Raiders now and reports are Raiders are not looking to trade him.

DanKD wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2026 1:06 pm Who says they want to trade Crosby? They traded him to Baltimore because he privately demanded a trade.

After his experience of being treated like shit by Baltimore he is happy with the Raiders now and reports are Raiders are not looking to trade him.

I keep reading rumours about him being traded to some other team.

erickench wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2026 7:44 pm I keep reading rumours about him being traded to some other team.

Because it creates clicks

Fotukasi and Booker had the highest PFF grades among the DTs. If these keeps up they should both become starters.

erickench wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2026 8:42 pm Fotukasi and Booker had the highest PFF grades among the DTs. If these keeps up they should both become starters.

Both are in the DT rotation. IMO we don't have any DTs who are more than situational/rotational. They have roles and the team is better if they are used within those roles. I don't think "starter" is really much of a thing, although Fotukasi might start most games simply because many teams start games trying to establish the run.

Leonard has worked with/under some pretty established coaches and I’m keeping faith in the guy on how to scheme and use whatever players he has at his disposal. It’s year one and anyone with football knowledge understands that he doesn’t have the ponies just yet early in this rebuild. Anyone can shine as a DC with the best players, it’s the ones that can maximize what they have to bring you success that have my respect.

im encouraged with the way our defense played

I'm encouraged by the defense too, but it's tempered with the belief that we haven't faced a real team yet. Wait and see, but it's better to have your defense play well vs a shit opponent than play poorly vs a shit opponent - we've all seen the latter happen in the past.

The batttle vs their OTs will be tough. They're real good. The middle of the line is softer though. I expect more success there.

Game 1 was super encouraging. Im not sure we have the overall talent this year to be better than average, but just being middle of the pack is an improvement

powski wrote: Sat Sep 19, 2026 7:17 am The batttle vs their OTs will be tough. They're real good. The middle of the line is softer though. I expect more success there.

True but our strength is our D ends with Paye showing out last game. Maxx will eventually make his presence felt and hopefully pressure on Herbert makes for bad decisions on his part. It’s but one game but if Paye can continue his disruptive style, it helps our young secondary. This would be a real good time for our new, highly touted linebackers to have their names said a lot throughout the broadcast.

Viper wrote: Sat Sep 19, 2026 9:36 am True but our strength is our D ends with Paye showing out last game. Maxx will eventually make his presence felt and hopefully pressure on Herbert makes for bad decisions on his part. It’s but one game but if Paye can continue his disruptive style, it helps our young secondary. This would be a real good time for our new, highly touted linebackers to have their names said a lot throughout the broadcast.

Maxx got shut down by them in our last year game 2 vs Chargers. Mostly by Alt. I hope to not see more of that but Alt is consistent and high level.

Paye was lining up in middle vs Miami and wrecking shit. Leonard needs to keep being creative and attacking different personnel from everywhere, keep them guessing. Just counting on DE pressure vs their tackles isn't going to work.

Perhaps a bit premature, but I think Porter is getting "Wally Pipp'd" for Masses.