Why ESPN says Raider DC Patrick Graham is on the hot seat
Aug 22, 2023, 12:30 PM
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 18: Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham (L) and head coach Josh McDaniels meet before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium on September 18, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
In his first year with last Las Vegas, the Patrick Graham-led Raiders’ defense underperformed.
The team tied with the New York Giants for the fewest interceptions (6), allowed the third-fewest sacks (27), and allowed the fourth-most passing yards (4,129). The Raiders also allowed 24.6 points per game, the seventh-most in the league, and its secondary allowed the highest passer rating and the third-highest completion rating.
All that to say, if anyone is on the hot seat this year, it’s their defensive coordinator.
A recent article from ESPN, composed of NFL Nation reporters, lists players, coaches and executives with the most to prove in 2023.
Paul Gutierrez, the Raiders reporter for ESPN, explains why Graham needs to lead a better defense in 2023.
Improvement in 2023 is needed under Graham. Especially with Las Vegas using six of its nine draft picks last spring on defensive players, including No. 7 pick edge rusher Tyree Wilson — who was finally activated from the non-football injury list Wednesday after having surgery on his right foot. Plus, the Raiders addressed the secondary with veterans Marcus Peters and Marcus Epps. Yeah, improvement is expected.
Did the Raiders do enough this offseason to help Patrick Graham lead an improved defense this upcoming season?
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