Sunday’s Raiders matchup with the Titans will be all about defense.
The 1-1 Raiders lead the NFL in total offense but are dead last in total defense. In two games, Oakland has yielded 1,035 yards and 69 points. If the Raiders hope to exit Tennessee with a victory, they know they’ll have to start stopping people immediately.
And, the Titans have some talent, with young quarterback Marcus Mariota – also a threat to run – running back DeMarco Murray (145 yards from scrimmage last week in a win over the Lions) and tight end Delanie Walker.
Raiders defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. this week says the blame for the failures rest on his shoulders.
“I’m accountable for it,” Norton told reporters. “We’ve got to work harder, work better and we expect to come out of this.”
Earlier this week, head coach Jack Del Rio said rookie Karl Joseph, at strong safety, will likely take over for Keith McGill against the Titans. McGill struggled in last Sunday’s loss to the Falcons. Rookie Cory James also may be in the lineup at middle linebacker for Ben Heeney, who seemed to struggle in pass coverage vs. Atlanta.
Joseph, the team’s No. 1 pick in this year’s draft, says he’s “hungry” to make an impact.
Raiders
“I don’t like being on the sidelines, so I’m dying to play,” he said.
Del Rio and Norton have focused on fixing some of the defensive problems this week, and Del Rio is confident things will come together. The pass rush hasn’t been as strong as anticipated – Khalil Mack is still without a sack – and newcomers Reggie Nelson, Sean Smith and Bruce Irvin have been up and down. Smith, at cornerback, has especially had his troubles.
“We’ll get this thing headed in the right direction on defense,” said Del Rio.
Meanwhile, the Titans defense has been fairly strong, allowing just one touchdown so far. Linebacker Brian Orakpo had two sacks last week vs. the Lions.
But the last time Derek Carr faced the Titans, in November of last season, he threw for 330 yards and three TDs in a 24-21 Oakland victory.
This time, oddsmakers have made the Titans one-point favorites. Kickoff is set for 10 a.m. in the Bay Area.
