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.

Well, we are not just running one set. We will run situational sets throughout the game with 3-4 being one of the primary sets. We will also run a 4-3 set, a 4-2-5 set, a 46 set, the dime, and multiple setups in the secondary, man, and cover shells. So the depth chart, especially on defense, does not really reflect one way of lining up. Maxx gets listed as a DE for a few reasons, one of the primary that people don't really think about is for the franchise tag. If an edge gets tagged, his salary plays a part in how much that tag costs a team. If Maxx get's tagged, he would make more as an edge rather than a OLB. It is why TEs sometimes make a case that they are receivers. You get more money as a receiver on the tag.

Hopefully our third preseason game is more indicative of how this defense will perform in the regular season. When we ran different schemes and applied pressure we were successful at it. And with a healthy Maxx on the field, maybe it'll be pretty good.

Whatever the case, we will find out.

Opoponax50 wrote: Wed Sep 02, 2026 9:03 am Hopefully our third preseason game is more indicative of how this defense will perform in the regular season. When we ran different schemes and applied pressure we were successful at it. And with a healthy Maxx on the field, maybe it'll be pretty good.

Whatever the case, we will find out.

Maxx on the field changes the whole dynamic of the defense, from motivating the guys to pressure on the QB helping out the DB's. We will know soon enough. Looking forward to it.

The run defense improves pretty dramatically with Maxx on the field. Even running away from him, he often gets there backside. He's the TFL beast & Booker can really punch gaps into the backfield. If nothing else, the defensive front can get plenty of tackles for loss

kwity paye is very good vs the run and holds the edge tough

Goodtimes333 wrote: Wed Sep 02, 2026 9:26 am The run defense improves pretty dramatically with Maxx on the field. Even running away from him, he often gets there backside. He's the TFL beast & Booker can really punch gaps into the backfield. If nothing else, the defensive front can get plenty of tackles for loss

I think Fatukasi improves our run defense tremendously. Other than him we don't have a true nose tackle.

erickench wrote: Wed Sep 02, 2026 10:59 am I think Fatukasi improves our run defense tremendously. Other than him we don't have a true nose tackle.

I like what I've seen from him for such a low key late pickup. He's shown some juice for sure. Even pushing the pocket in the pass

I think our defense will be better than last year.

I don't know how many games the D wins for us this season.

Thought the D played well against the 49ers.

I think Leonard will be a good DC but he's also young and a rookie DC. He's also got a lot of new personnel either via FA or rookies and 2nd year guys who didn't play a lot in year 1.
It's hard to guess with any precision but I think better than last year at least.
The health and injury situation is going to be a major factor, especially when it comes to Maxx and Dean. If those 2 can stay healthy most of the season I am cautiously optimistic.

No matter what they have to do better against the run. 91 yards in the first half and almost 150 overall gain at the 9ers. I’m hoping that gets better with more cohesion and a primary unit on the field

Not going to condemn our defense, nor fawn over them, based on 3 preseason games. Only by playing some reg-season games will we know what we have in all facets of the game.

The raiders interior DT is really a weakness for the raiders; until we address it next season from the draft as every team seem to hang on to good DT… the raiders is still going to struggle this season….

Defense...

Thats mostly cause of the cancelled Crosby trade. We would not have signed both Paye and Koonce if we never traded Crosby.