How the Eagles can dismantle Gus Bradley’s Raider defense
By Hunter Doyle
So, how do the Philadelphia Eagles attack Gus Bradley’s defense?
Think back to two weeks ago. We took a deep dive into the Carolina Panthers’ defense, one that ranks top five in multiple categories. Somehow and someway, the Philadelphia Eagles came out on top in an ugly one where the offense couldn’t get moving until late in the second half.
Now, in Week 7, they travel to Las Vegas to face a Raiders defense that is allowing just 5.1 yards per play (good for fifth in NFL). Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley deserves a lot of credit for their early success.
Despite having the lowest blitz rate in the league, Las Vegas’ front four can get home in a hurry as they feature with the 12th highest pressure rate. Maxx Crosby has been an unstoppable force, as the Las Vegas Chronicle puts it, racking up five sacks (the NFL’s 11th-best total by any player).
He also has 21 pressures (that ranks him third in that category), and 11 quarterback knockdowns (he’s first there). Crosby and cornerback Casey Hayward Jr. are both ranked first by PFF at their respective positions. The cornerbacks and pass rushers have played complementary football through seven weeks.
Guess what? That’s just one issue that the Eagles have to worry about on offense. Here are two other areas that make the Raiders’ defense so good under Gus Bradley.