In recent years, the Raiders have had a good secondary, anchored with Asomugha at Cornerback, but a rotating question on who is on the other side. Chris Johnson works to a degree, Michael Huff was drafted in the first round, and most recently, Michael Mitchell and Tyvon Branch both have come along.
Stopping the run in Oakland has been a difficult issue. Part of what makes Asomugha a very lonely player is his ability to cover the man he's on. But it also makes one wonder—what if the opposing team had to choose between throwing or trying to rush against a difficult defensive line?
Oakland, in it's history, has had success in having a strong defense with a decent offense. In 1980, the Raiders won the Super Bowl after having Jim Plunkett take over passing duties, on a defensive network featuring guys like Ted Hendricks, Lester Hayes, and Rod Martin. Other players would help too, with Burgess Owens, Monte Jackson, and Mike Davis played parts, while Plunkett's work with the remaining players that didn't wind up in Houston (Stabler, Tatum, and Casper), turned out well.
Could Oakland imitate that defense?
For one, we already have a Corner with strong skills. Asomugha has proved to be the numbers man and isn't currently holding out like some other guy in New York. We have a run stopper in first round pick Rolando McClain. In terms of blitz potential, you have Lamarr Houston, which in turn bodes well for others on the line. If the opposition centers on Houston, who's going to stop Richard Seymour? Trevor Scott? Even Wimbley might come around for a blitz package, causing quick loss of yardage and giving the Raiders good ball location when they take over.
A lot of details will come to ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
