49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan had big things to say about the Raiders defense
San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan quickly became a believer in the Las Vegas Raiders defense.
For years, that side of the ball has been at best problematic, leaving Raider Nation frustrated at the end of too many NFL games.
But in two days of joint practices this week, Raiders defenders reportedly showed they can be ballhawks. Even the interior line got after it, pressuring 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy and at times backup Trey Lance, too.
Shanahan saw enough to deliver praise to the unit led by defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, even as the Raiders were without rookie defensive end Tyree Wilson.
“They got some good players,” he said. “I know they don’t have their first-round pick out there with Tyree, but just their pass rush, their secondary. Patrick does a real good job everywhere he (has) been. I think they’re going to be a (really) good team this year. They played us well last year. It was one of our toughest games and I think they’re only taking steps forward.”
On Friday, the Raiders defense had six interceptions. Linebacker Robert Spillane had two and safety Marcus Epps, linebacker Luke Masterson, safety Duke Shelley and cornerback Marcus Peters one each.
Raiders defensive tackles Jerry Tillery, a veteran, and rookie Nesta Jade Silvera had plenty of moments where they created havoc on 49ers quarterbacks.
Shelley also had an interception in Thursday’s joint practice. Amik Robertson had a broken up play in the end zone.
Last season, the Raiders finished 28th in defense, giving up 356.6 yards per game. The Raiders were tied for the fewest interceptions (six) with the New York Giants.
The two-day joint practices proved that the Raiders may be ready to turn the corner, but performance in preseason practices won’t matter if the defense doesn’t get after it come the opener Sept. 10 against the Denver Broncos and in the weeks that follow.
If they do, the Raiders can make Shanahan look like a prognosticating genius with his early praise.
