In sports we talk a lot about motivation. A lot of players are talented, but to move beyond that and do great things, something has to drive you. For the Raiders defensive line, they need only mention the number 13.
Not because it’s lucky. Not because they’re all making sure they cover rookie receiver Hunter Renfrow on his routes. Nothing like that. It’s simply about outdoing themselves. And last year the entire Raiders defense put up just 13 sacks. One of the lowest totals in NFL history, let alone team history.
They traded Khalil Mack before the season and waived Bruce Irvin at midseason.