ALAMEDA – The Raiders are in the midst of a defensive youth movement. They have three rookie starters and three more playing significant snaps. Second-year pros occupy a starting spot and two more in the heavy rotation.
That’s a large volume, even on a struggling team. It also provides sharp contrast to this offseason’s expectations, when prominent veterans and experienced stars were supposed to highlight Paul Guenther’s first Raiders defense.
Khalil Mack was traded, Bruce Irvin was waived and several other veteran additions proved ineffective, prompting the Raiders to go young.
Paul Guenther’s in a strange spot, trying to get the best from a generally undermanned unit while making sure his young defenders make steady progress.