The Las Vegas Raiders had their best pass-rushing game of the season as they sacked New York Giants quarterbacks eight times in Week 9. Despite that, defensive end Maxx Crosby is still the only player with more than 2.0 sacks (9.5).
Tyree Wilson and Malcolm Koonce have combined for 2.5 sacks this season. Although they are still in the running for the playoffs, the Raiders need to improve their pass rush if they want to take the lead. The team ought to sign free agent defensive end Melvin Ingram, according to Bleacher Report.
In a column published on November 6, the B/R NFL Staff stated, “The Raiders might not be in the thick of the playoff race, but they need to field a competitive team under interim coach Antonio Pierce.” With one of the least effective pass rushers in the league, that will be challenging to accomplish. While Tyree Wilson is still learning as a rookie, Maxx Crosby is a force, and Chandler Jones was cut by the team earlier in the season.
Melvin Ingram, a rotational player for the Miami Dolphins last season, demonstrated his ability to pressure quarterbacks by recording six sacks. The 34-year-old most likely still has it in him to strengthen the Raiders defense.
Melvin Ingram Has Been Consistent Throughout Career
The Raiders should be very familiar with Melvin Ingram. In addition to his nine-year tenure with the Chargers, he also played briefly for the Chiefs in 2021. Over the course of his 16 career games against the Raiders, he has 10.5 sacks.
At 34 years old, Ingram may be nearing the end of his professional life. He did, however, demonstrate last season that he still has some pass rush ability. With the Miami Dolphins, he was able to play in all 17 games and had 6.0 sacks. His body isn’t disintegrating just yet.
Despite not being the same player he was with the Chargers for the Pro Bowl, Ingram has been reliable and has six seasons with 6.0 or more sacks. With the trade deadline having passed, there aren’t many options left, so Ingram could be among the best players still available to rush the passer. The Raiders should make the effort to at least have him in for a workout.
Las Vegas Raiders Defense Gaining Swagger
In Week 9, the Raiders had their best game of the season, holding the Giants to just six points. The defense, which ranks 15th in the NFL in yards per game allowed (330.9), has looked much better this season than it has in the past.
Tyree Wilson told reporters following the game, “I think the defense played as a whole,” according to Raiders.com. “There were a lot of people playing and a lot of people who were desperate to win. We were trying to keep them out, and we were almost successful.
The Giants currently have the lowest point average in the NFL at 11.2 per game. The group still has to demonstrate that it can stop a potent offense. Maxx Crosby is optimistic about the defense’s potential this season, though.
It was a huge joy. We had a great time outside,” Crosby remarked. You’re aware of it. We maintained the insane level of energy throughout the entire game. This D-line group seems to be experiencing something unique.Since 2019, Austin Boyd has covered the Los Angeles Lakers and Las Vegas Raiders for Heavy.com. His work at Heavy features interviews with NFL stars Joe Montana and Darren Waller, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at “The Shop.” He was born and raised in Los Angeles.
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