For the first time in recent memory, the Raiders are entering a new season with legitimate optimism.
It's hard not to be excited about going to work when Pete Carroll is your coach. But for all of the good vibes and energy surrounding the Raiders, one seasoned veteran cautioned against one defensive approach that might be a little too ambitious or misguided.
Niners All-Pro tight end George Kittle told reporters Thursday of an interesting instance in which the Raiders lined up four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby head up over Kittle, essentially surrendering edge contain with their chosen alignment. The play produced a big gain on the ground and irritated Kittle enough for him to mention it afterward.
“I’m not the defensive coordinator for the Raiders, but Maxx Crosby in a four-point stance at six-technique takes a lot of pressure off me and (right tackle Colton McKivitz), where I can just run through his outside shoulder and McKivitz can just eat it up at the second level,” Kittle said, via the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “I’ll take that any day of the week.”
Earlier in the media session, Kittle was very complimentary of the Raiders as they wrapped up joint practices with the 49ers ahead of their preseason meeting on Saturday. But he couldn't help but note that defensive coordinator Patrick Graham's choice on that particular play wasn't too wise -- and more importantly, didn't maximize Crosby's skills as an elite edge rusher.
“They’re flying around and celebrating each other,” Kittle said. “That’s a Pete Carroll team. That’s what they do. I like the vibe here. Let Maxx Crosby be Maxx Crosby, and they’re going to have a great year.”
Considering the Raiders just inked Crosby to what at the time was a market-resetting extension this offseason, Kittle has a point. If a team is going to invest significant money in a game-changing player, perhaps they should position him to do just that.
Then again, August is the time for experimentation. The practices and games don't count against their final record, and there's no better setting to test out a new approach than in a joint practice with live action against another team.
Kittle appreciated the opportunity to sharpen his own skills against one of the league's best in Crosby, telling reporters the joint practice reps "will make the rest of the season easier when you're going against guys that might not be as good as them."
As a fellow elite player, though, he'd like to see Crosby feast. His suggestion might be just what the Raiders need to center themselves and focus on allowing Crosby to do what he does best: Set the edge and hunt quarterbacks.