Fansided

1 reason every NFL team can win the Super Bowl

By Andrew Garda

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; A member of the New England Patriots hoists the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; A member of the New England Patriots hoists the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) lines up against the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 47-14. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) lines up against the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 47-14. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Oakland Raiders

The Oakland Raiders have a tough road ahead of them to make—much less win—a Super Bowl. If they’re going to have a shot at the title, they need their defense to play far better than it did last year.

The Oakland Raiders defense was ranked No. 21 overall according to NFL.com and it allowed the most points over the course of the season. They were better against the pass (No. 16 in the NFL) than the run (No. 21 in the NFL), but allowed the sixth most touchdowns through the air while ending up tied for third for touchdowns on the ground with a total of 17.

In a division which features passing offenses led by Peyton Manning, Philip Rivers and, to a lesser extent, Alex Smith, you can’t have a pass defense give up that many touchdowns. For that matter, all three of their AFC West opponents also have solid backfields. And all this is before we even talk about the rest of the AFC with Tom Brady, Andrew Luck, Ben Roethlisberger and more.

The Raiders have some talent on the defensive side of the ball, especially second-year SAM linebacker Khalil Mack. There is also veteran defensive end Justin Tuck and second-round 2015 rookie defensive end Mario Edwards Jr who will help with the pass rush.

Pressure from the front seven will help cover up some of the shakiness in the secondary, as D.J. Hayden and Travis Carrie (currently the starting cornerbacks per Ourlads.com) both struggled last season.

If the Raiders have a shot at the championship—and honestly, it’s a long shot—the defense will have to carry them as the young offense will need help and the very tough opposing offenses will be challenging roadblocks to say the least.

Next: Washington Redskins

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