PHILADELPHIA -- Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio hoped firing defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. would spark his defense.
It’s easy to say it has; basic metrics have improved. The pass rush is more impactful. Takeaways are up, opponent passer rating and third-down conversions are down.
That was clear early in this four-game stretch, but the Raiders were cautious crediting new play caller John Pagano for the surge.
Norton was immensely popular in the locker room, especially among defensive leadership who already felt he was scapegoated. Del Rio was sensitive to that fact.
Improved production was explained with platitudes, typically saying rush and coverage have worked better together.