The defensive performance led by Patrick Graham for the Raiders may position him for a head coaching opportunity in the near future.
Before each game, Patrick Graham, the 44-year-old defensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders, tunes into Mobb Deep to get in the zone. Growing up in Waterbury, Conn., Graham was deeply immersed in the rap duo’s gritty, unapologetic lyrics. Two non-negotiable tasks for him before kickoff are revisiting songs from their catalog and enjoying a can of Coca-Cola.
While Raiders players may not witness Graham’s routine since he calls plays from the press box, they are aware of it. They also know about his family, his journey from a football career that led him to Yale, his pet peeves, favorite foods, and other aspects that shaped the man he is today. When Graham joined the Raiders last year, he emphasized the importance of establishing a reciprocal exchange of information with players as a top priority.
“As a teacher, the best way to get them to learn and adhere to the lessons is to let them know that you care about the person, not just the football player,” Graham said.
This commitment extended beyond the football field into sharing meals in the cafeteria and meeting outside of team headquarters. The relationships formed went beyond football, and the effects were evident on the field. Honest criticism from a coach resonates differently when an authentic bond has been established, and NFL players value honesty as it builds trust.
After a challenging season for the Raiders’ defense in 2022, Graham took a reflective approach rather than seeking blame from others. His key lesson was to be more patient in 2023 and hoped his players would maintain faith in him to make necessary adjustments.
“I just listened,” Graham said. “And, thankfully, the players were onboard.”
Under Graham’s leadership, the Raiders’ defense has undergone a remarkable transformation. In the current season, his unit ranks eighth in the NFL in scoring defense, marking the Raiders’ first top-10 finish in that statistic since 2002. Graham deserves much credit for this turnaround.
“He’s doing a great job leading us and putting us in great positions, and we have a lot of guys that are bought in,” said defensive end Maxx Crosby earlier this season. “Everyone’s on the same page.”
Despite limited investment in the defensive unit during the past offseason, with the Raiders ranking 31st in defensive spending according to Over the Cap, the team has made significant improvements. Consequently, Graham has transitioned from being a potential hot-seat candidate at the start of the season to a prospective head coaching candidate in the upcoming offseason.
| STATISTIC | 2022 | RANK | 2023 | RANK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Pts./game
|
24.6
|
26th
|
19.8
|
8th
|
|
Yds./play
|
5.8
|
27th
|
5.2
|
15th
|
|
Yds./pass
|
7.3
|
25th
|
6.8
|
12th
|
|
Yds./rush
|
4.5
|
23rd
|
4.3
|
19th
|
|
EPA/play
|
-0.07
|
30th
|
0.05
|
14th
|
|
Def. success rate
|
54.4%
|
31st
|
59.0%
|
15th
|
|
Takeaways
|
13
|
32nd
|
21
|
19th
|
|
Sacks
|
27
|
30th
|
41
|
T-16th
|
Raiders Defense Shines Despite Playoff Elimination: A Look at Patrick Graham’s Impact
The Raiders’ season may have come to an end after a loss to the Indianapolis Colts, eliminating them from playoff contention, but the commendable performance of their defense, led by coordinator Patrick Graham, remains a highlight of the season.
Throughout the season, the Raiders faced offensive struggles, relying heavily on their defense to keep them competitive. Despite the recent setback, Graham and the defensive unit deserve praise for their contributions this year.
Linebacker Divine Deablo highlighted the team’s shift towards trusting the process and working collectively rather than relying on individual heroics. Graham, known for his complex defensive schemes during previous coaching stints, dismissed the idea of simplifying his approach but acknowledged the need to better align player assignments with their skill sets.
Graham’s adjustments have been notable, emphasizing finding the right roles for each player during the offseason, allowing the defense to play more instinctively. The addition of veteran players, including John Jenkins, Robert Spillane, and Marcus Epps, further solidified the defensive lineup and provided leadership on and off the field.
Defensive end Maxx Crosby’s outstanding performance has been a driving force, complemented by the presence of experienced contributors. However, the real success story lies in the development of young players like Malcolm Koonce, Divine Deablo, Nate Hobbs, Amik Robertson, and Tre’von Moehrig, all aged 25 or younger, who have showcased significant improvement and played a pivotal role this season.
Graham’s decision to embrace the youth movement and give these players opportunities to grow has paid off, creating a bend-but-don’t-break defense. While the defense faced challenges early in the season, struggling on third downs and in the red zone, it progressively improved as the season unfolded, limiting points and minimizing explosive plays.
The firing of former head coach Josh McDaniels during the season was a turning point for Graham. Despite the challenges, Graham refocused on his commitment to the players, pouring everything into their development. Antonio Pierce took over as interim head coach, maintaining a seamless collaboration with Graham to lead the defense.
Though no significant schematic changes were made, the defense experienced a marked improvement. The addition of cornerback Jack Jones in November added a dynamic playmaker to the secondary, while players like Malcolm Koonce stepped up, forming a formidable pass-rushing duo with Crosby. The run defense showed significant progress, and the unit consistently produced splash plays, including turnovers, sacks, and tackles for loss.
While the Raiders may not be advancing to the playoffs, the strides made by the defense under Patrick Graham’s guidance showcase a promising foundation for the future. The commitment to player development, a mix of experienced leaders and emerging talents, and a collaborative coaching effort have defined the Raiders’ defensive success this season.
| STATISTIC | WEEKS 1-8 | RANK | WEEKS 9-17 | RANK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Pts./game
|
23.4
|
22nd
|
16.3
|
1st
|
|
Yds./play
|
5.2
|
18th
|
5.2
|
14th
|
|
Yds./pass
|
6.6
|
24th
|
7.0
|
19th
|
|
Yds./rush
|
4.5
|
26th
|
4.0
|
11th
|
|
EPA/play
|
-0.04
|
27th
|
0.14
|
4th
|
|
Def. success rate
|
56.7%
|
24th
|
61.3%
|
12th
|
|
Takeaways
|
8
|
T-24th
|
13
|
T-10th
|
|
Sacks
|
16
|
T-23rd
|
25
|
T-9th
|
Regarding his future, Graham remains focused on the present and is not allowing his thoughts to wander. Whether he continues in his current position or takes on a head coaching role elsewhere is uncertain, and Graham is not getting weighed down by those unknowns.
“I’m always dealing in the present,” Graham stated.
The Raiders are hopeful for the best scenario, which involves retaining Graham. The Las Vegas leadership aspires for the sustained success of the defense, and Graham has proven his capability to lead that effort. However, he emphasizes that the ultimate determinant will be the players.
“It’s their defense,” Graham emphasized. “The Raiders are the Raiders because of the players. I mean, that’s it. … When they’ve tasted success, I think that’s going to fuel them to be hungrier when they get back after the offseason. …
“And because they’ve had the experiences on the field together, they’ll be able to carry that over. The progression will go a little bit quicker, and then you’ll be able to see it take off.”
