Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak offered a firm endorsement of defensive coordinator Rob Leonard on Monday, standing by his staff despite the defense tying a modern NFL record by surrendering at least 30 points in six consecutive games. The latest occurrence came during Sunday's 38-17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
"I stand behind Rob. I stand behind our defensive staff. I stand behind our players," Kubiak said during his news conference at the team facility in Henderson. "I think the world wants someone's head on a platter every time things don't go right, but the way I see it is we brought people here for a reason to get a job done and develop players for the long haul and that's where we're going."
Kubiak expressed continued belief in the defensive scheme, the play-calling, and the personnel, emphasizing the need for the group to put together four complete quarters regardless of the opponent. The Raiders fell to 4-5 on the season following the defeat, which featured five turnovers by the offense and a 14-0 early deficit.
The loss dropped Las Vegas below .500 ahead of the NFL trade deadline, though star defensive end Maxx Crosby reiterated his desire to remain with the organization that drafted him. Kubiak's comments signal stability on the defensive side of the ball as the team attempts to correct its historic struggles.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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