Raiders defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. admits the blame falls on his shoulders. Kline was claimed off waivers from New England on September 8 and was inactive the first two weeks. They’ve given up 8.0 yards per play, the NFL’s largest sum this season by a long shot. Both guys practiced Thursday and Friday. “I’m accountable for all of that”. “He’s growing up. You can see he’s learning how to use all of his weapons around him, really opening up the offense for him”. I have to coach them better. That leaves many questioning, who are the real Raiders?
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Oakland Raiders linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Last week, head coach Jack Del Rio took over play-calling duties during the final defensive series.
The non-commitment to directly answer who’s calling plays likely indicates Del Rio’s extensive involvement in the process. “That’s up to him”, Norton said. “It’s a collective effort”. Asked if they would start, Del Rio said, “I don’t think there’s any benefit to declare what we’re doing”.
The cornerback was knocked unconscious in their battle against the Atlanta Falcons which placed him under concussion watch but he still believes that he is fine and ready to play by the weekend. “But I’ve learned being healthy is the biggest thing in this game”.
Norton and Del Rio have been pleased with the defense’s response to a pair of disappointing games. The conclusion they often draw is that he usually works out of the spread, often doing some kind of option play. “I think there’s accountability here”.
TITANS should be feeling good after stirring 16-15 come-from-behind Week 2 road victory over Lions with QB Marcus Mariota completing 9-of-9 on game-winning drive. Collectively as a group, we have to pick it up. “I made the plays I was supposed to and a little bit more”.
Howard was out and did not travel to New Orleans in Week 1 with an ankle injury, and with Watson and McCants both injured, played all 75 snaps against Atlanta when the Raiders had few other options.
The Titans have former rushing champ DeMarco Murray along with reigning Heisman Trophy victor, Derrick Henry. We’ll make sure that he gets in the game going forward. “We dug ourselves a hole, and we have to fight our way out of it”. “Wecan build our defense, and everybody will be better”.
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Add in a first-round pick at safety in Karl Joseph, and the Raiders certainly looked like they brought in enough talent to cobble together a solid stop unit. but it’s been anything but after adding up the early returns. “We seek to improve, and we’ll continue working hard and paying attention to the details”.
