There are too many talented guys and not enough starting spots for all these linebackers to showcase their talents.
Weak-side linebacker Sio Moore is the incumbent starter on the weak side, but he’s dealing with injury concerns after undergoing hip surgery in the offseason. After returning to action, he sat out the last two practices, per CSNBayArea.com reporter Scott Bair:
Sio Moore missing a second straight day.
— Scott Bair (@BairCSN) August 9, 2015 General manager Reggie McKenzie continues to enforce competition across the board, reminding us the NFL is a league that focuses on what you’ve done lately, not exactly what have you done last, per Bair:
You can’t just say, ‘Remember what I did last year?’ That’s not how it works. This is a ‘What can you do for me now’ kind of league. I don’t think he has a mountain to climb. He just has to get out there and play and show that he can stay healthy for the whole preseason. If he does that, he should be fine. But he can’t rest on his laurels. It’s competitive out here.
Don’t buy this for a second when it comes to Moore. He’s the spirit of the defense and brings energy comparable to no other on the roster.
Defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. seeks to instill his enthusiasm for the game into the psyche of the defense. Norton will lean on Moore to spread that infectious spirit for the game among the players.
Khalil Mack is officially listed as a defensive end on the Raiders' first official depth chart, creating an opportunity at strong-side linebacker for the reserves.
Currently, Ray-Ray Armstrong is listed as the strong-side linebacker and Malcolm Smith as the weak-side linebacker. ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
