Derek Carr is not alone when it comes to sometimes trying to do too much to shake your Oakland Raiders out of their funk. No one likes being 1-4. Last weekday after a bad loss to the Chargers, Oakland coach Jon Gruden said Carr sometimes presses at the quarterback position. Carr agreed. However, Carr isn’t
Paul Guenther trying to keep his troops up
I think the defense is working hard but without talent, they can’t be effective.
About a decade ago, I met former Raiders defensive coordinator Rob Ryan at an event for Raiders season ticket holders. He told me “you can’t make chicken salad out of chicken sh*t”).
This is essentially the problem with the Raiders defense. Either you have an aging vet (ex. Leon Hall) or a rookie (ex. Hurst). Guenther can only do so much.
I think some are trying harder than others.
One good thing is that many rookies are getting plenty of playing time.
That is the only way they will get better.
I hope we see more of rookie CB Nelson soon.
I would like to see our UDFA LB Cabinda also.
Guenther got hamstrung this off season. The talent on the defensive side of the ball at the end of the last season was not good and it remains so. Some of the rookies look promising, but the linebackers are still not good and there is no real pass rush. A lack of pass rush makes it harder to cover. I am concerned that Conley is getting less reps. He needs to play, make rookie mistakes, learn from them and hopefully get better.