Why Ken Norton Jr. needs to have a successful 2016
Raiders defensive Coordinator Ken Norton Jr. entered 2015 as a rookie coach. While his resume is littered with position jobs and Super Bowl rings, being a coordinator is different. The mindset is completely changed. The fate of the entire defense rests with him. The pressure in 2016 is expected to increase significantly, and rightfully so. The offense seems poised to make a quantum leaped forward. Now, Norton needs to elevate the defense. Here is how he needs to potentially save his job:
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Cover the Tight End: Last season, we discussed at length on how dreadful the Raiders were at blanketing the tight end. Oakland allowed eleven touchdowns to tight ends in 2015 (http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/teamdef). There is no shame in being beaten by Tyler Eifert (twice), but Crockett Gilmore, Gary Barnidge, Demetrius Harris, and Rhett Ellison? Where were the adjustments? Malcolm Smith looked completely lost and unable to keep pace. Only the Cincinnati Bengals averaged more TE pass attempts per game than Oakland’s 9.1.
Solution: Bruce Irvin. Irvin is a freakishly athletic linebacker will rush more, but displays the ability to stay with tight ends. In a division with Antonio Gates, Travis Kelce, and the emerging Virgil Green, help is needed.
Hide the Middle Linebacker: The fact the Raiders did not heavily pursue a middle linebacker via free agency or the draft gives RaiderNation reason to worry. Ben Heeney is the projected starter, which causes a bit of anxiety. Apologist will proclaim that Heeney is just a rookie and will improve over time. While that is a possibility, the signs aren’t there. This is film from last week’s game versus the Titans. Keep an eye on #50:
Heeney does possess a fantastic motor, but lacks the ability to disengage from blockers quickly. Opponents get into his chest too easily. Meaning, he fails to use his hands to ward off blocks.
Solution: Maybe this is the time a healthy Neiron Ball steps in. Ball is stronger and quicker than Heeney. He plays with better hand technique and leverage. Anything is worth a shot.
Scheme to Help Mack: Granted, Khalil Mack does not need help getting to the quarterback. Assistance comes in the form of another pass rusher to occupy offensive linemen. If not, teams will either chip Mack, or outright double him. The Raiders pass rushers are either suffering from injury, inexperience, or position shift.
Solution: Ken Norton must carefully scheme packages to generate pressure from multiple sources. Irvin will bolt from the edge occasionally. Norton could mix and match coverage with technically intriguing blitz patterns. Rookie Shilique Calhoun and James Cowser need to see snaps in sub-packages. Each can bend the corner and cause backfield havoc.
Ken Norton Jr’s job is not easy. Yet, this is the year Raider Nation predicts that Oakland makes the playoffs. Much of the intense heat on Norton arrives from the fact the Raiders‘defense can look like an unadulterated me. Norton envisions himself a head coach one day. If he doesn’t fix the glaring holes in 2016, next year may not be guaranteed.
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