After a 3-0 start driven by a defense that forced turnovers and helped the offense score 88 points, the Las Vegas Raiders have seen a drop in defensive performance, including a 45-17 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 5. The team now ranks in the bottom third of the NFL in red-zone defense (27th), rushing defense (28th), and total defense (27th).
Defensive end Maxx Crosby said the team recognizes the need to respond, stating, 'It was a bad game overall, everyone knows that,' and added, 'We all have to be able to hold each other accountable and hold ourselves accountable first and foremost.' He emphasized the importance of creating 'game changers' by taking the ball away, noting, 'Taking the ball away is everything.'
Although the Raiders remain among the NFL’s top five teams in takeaways for the season, they have generated just two turnovers while committing three over their past two games, losing the turnover battle in that stretch. Defensive coordinator Rob Leonard and coach Klint Kubiak stressed that creating takeaways remains a priority as opponents adjust to the Raiders’ defensive strengths.
The Raiders will look to halt their slide when they host the Buffalo Bills, an offense that has turned the ball over nine times through five games. Crosby said the team is resilient and expects to be better, stating, 'I think that this team is resilient and we love being around each other and we love playing together and we expect to be a lot better this week.'
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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