Talk isn’t cheap for Raiders defense

Communication is crucial for Patrick Graham’s unit in Las Vegas

Talk isn’t cheap for Patrick Graham. When it comes to his Las Vegas Raiders defense, it’s vital.

The Silver & Black’s defensive coordinator wants his unit talking frequently especially considering defensive-minded Pete Carroll is now the head coach and general manager John Spytek infused the roster with players to suit the new head honcho’s wants and needs.

And it was no surprise to hear Graham drop communication (and variations of the word) frequently during his media availability this past Sunday after the Raiders’ training camp session.

By The Numbers
Raiders Defense

• 2024: Points allowed 434 (25th out of 32 teams); Yards allowed 5,663 (15th); Takeaways 13 (29th); Passing Touchdowns allowed 29 (26th); Rushing Touchdowns allowed 14 (15th); Third Down Conversion Rate 39.8 percent (17th); Fourth Down Conversion Rate 76.9 percent (31st); Red Zone Percentage 60.3 percent (21st)
• 2024 Leaders: Tackles, Robert Spillane (158 total); Tackles for loss, Maxx Crosby 17; Sacks, Maxx Crosby (7.5); Interceptions, Jack Jones (3); Pass deflections, Jack Jones (16); Forced fumbles, Isaiah Pola-Mao (2); Fumble recoveries, Tre’Von Moehrig (2)

Not only did the defensive boss expand on why talking is crucial, Graham said communication is a must in practices and during the game.

“I’m sure Coach (Pete Carroll) talked about we’re in a relationship-based business, and so with those relationships that we build off the field, on the field, it makes it easier to communicate. Just straight, right between the eyes, communication,” Graham said. “Whether something’s right or wrong, between the players to players, coaches to players, the players to coaches, and then on the field order to play defense, there’s a lot of grass throughout the defender.

“If we can communicate effectively, be a noisy defense and kind of cut down the variables by seeing a cut split, seeing where the quarterback is under a under or in guns, and cut down the variables that puts it back in our favor a little bit, because they have a play called, and we’re reacting to the play.”

Effective communication is a lost art when it comes to the Silver & Black. Far too often, the team doesn’t look like a cohesive group where down the line, all 11 defenders know what they’re doing and are willing to talk and get each other in proper spots.

Carroll’s arrival is slated to alleviate this. With a strong history of coaching along with being an exemplary teacher — on the field and in the classroom — the Raiders head coach is renowned for relating to his players and building relationships at the granular level. Graham is witness to it during the offseason and currently as Las Vegas is knee-deep in training camp.

And general manager John Spytek built a roster to help both Carroll and Graham get the Raiders defense trending in the right direction. Take the safety position, for example.

Las Vegas extended promising young undrafted free agent Isaiah Pola-Mao (two-year, $7.45 million...