USA Today Sports
Jon Gruden hired Gus Bradley to be the new defensive coordinator for the Raiders, with the idea that Bradley will be able to significantly improve what has been a backward unit.
Since Gruden left the transmission booth to train Raiders for the second time, the team finished 26th, 19th and 25th in allowed yards and 32nd, 24th and 30th in allowed points.
At his first virtual press conference like Las Vegas’ DC, Bradley said on Tuesday that he wants to create a defense that is quick, physical and to find ways to make arguments.
But the Raiders have several young defensive players who need to take steps to continue their development. In the last two drafts, the team took the defensive part Clelin Ferrell (No. 4 overall in 2019), safety Johnathan Abram (No. 27 in 2019), cornerback Trayvon Mullen (No. 40 in 2019), the defensive Maxx Crosby (No. 106 in 2019) and cornerback Damon Arnette (No. 19 in 2020). Of this group, Mullen and Crosby proved to be the most promising.
“I think there are parts there. But to give you a fair assessment, I would really like to have the chance to actually watch the movie, because sometimes on one system they will play differently, ”said Bradley. “But I am excited. I know that there is a group of hungry guys and they want to improve. “
Although Bradley is probably best known for managing the Cover 3 system, implemented when he was Seattle’s defensive coordinator, the coach said the Las Vegas scheme will be multiple. But the key is being able to rush the passer – something the Raiders have not done well since switching from Khalil Mach to Chicago before the start of the 2018 season.
If you can affect the defender, you have a good chance of helping your team to reach the level you are all aiming for, ”said Bradley.
Bradley plans to keep defensive line coach Rod Marinelli in charge, but will still have to meet with other members of the defensive technical team. Bradley said he is interested in bringing in more Chargers technical assistants if there are vacancies in Las Vegas.