It was the first season under the guidance of defensive coordinator Ken Norton, Jr., and it was also the first year in Silver and Black for numerous defensive players – including linebacker Malcolm Smith.
After an impressive Training Camp in Napa, Smith earned a starting job on defense, eventually starting all 16 games in his first season in the Bay Area.
Smith – and the Raiders’ defense as a whole – improved as the season wore on, and they are now hoping to build on that positive momentum heading into 2016, particularly after General Manager Reggie McKenzie delivered an impressive free agent haul.