Khalil Mack Trade Continues to Look Even Worse for the Raiders
By Kevin Aquino
When you give up one of the most forceful wrecking machines in the NFL, you have to get something in return. For the Raiders, they haven't recovered since coughing up Khalil Mack one year ago.
Mack has more total QB pressures than the entire Raiders defense, and while a much better Bears defense provides the three-time First-team All-Pro selection more security, it goes to show just how much value Mack had in Oakland.
Khalil Mack has 82 QB pressures on 558 pass rushes since his trade to the Bears (14.7%)
— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) October 1, 2019
The Raiders have 80 QB pressures on 523 pass rushes since the start of last season when they do not blitz (15.3%)
Per @NextGenStats
The 2019 No. 4 overall pick is supposed to be the Raiders' solution to help bolster the team's defense, but Clelin Ferrell is nowhere near that level. Ferrell has one sack and seven pressures through his first four games, and as the leading man of the franchise's defense, he has to deliver night in and night out.
Jaguars edge Josh Allen vs. Raiders edge Clelin Ferrell update:
— Steve Palazzolo (@PFF_Steve) September 24, 2019
Allen has 15 pressures on 97 rushes (75.9 @PFF pass rush grade)
Ferrell has seven pressures on 89 rushes (61.0 PFF pass rush grade)https://t.co/OQ7wrdDpXH
It's a lot to ask of a rookie, but Oakland thrusted Ferrell into his pressure-filled (no pun intended) position when they didn't re-up their defense accordingly without Mack. The Raiders are also without Vontaze Burfict, who's facing a season-long suspension for his dangerous hit on Jack Doyle.