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Before the start of the 2007 season, the Oakland Raiders made Tommy Kelly the highest paid defensive tackle in the league.
A seven year, $50.5 million contract with $18 million in guarantees shocked a lot of people, including Raider fans.
Kelly matched his best single-season sack total in 2008. He had 4.5 sacks—not that impressive.
With a few kind words from Warren Sapp this guy became a star overnight.
In the 2005 season, the Raiders decided to switch back to the 4-3 defense, Kelly moved from defensive end to tackle.
During week nine in a game against Kansas City, Kelly racked up three sacks. This excited Raiders coaches and fans alike.
However, the hype was short lived. Since getting the extension, Kelly has been sub-par at best. Missing most of the 2007 season due to injury, Kelly has racked up only 5.5 sacks since getting his big payday.
On September 15, Kelly was arrested for DUI after a win against the Chiefs.
Again, not what you're expecting from a guy you thought was gonna anchor the middle of the line. Another overpaid player that didn't work out like they thought it would. It seems to be a common theme for the Raiders.
If Oakland's defense hopes to make any progress stopping the run and getting pressure on the quarterback, it's got to start with Tommy Kelly.
Warren and Sands are rotation guys at best. With no other real help at the tackle spot, Kelly will have to be the presence in the middle by himself. That will be the only way Warren on Sands will be able to be productive.
If not, expect more of the same from the run defense. Until Oakland can address this need, I feel they will continue to struggle stopping running backs.
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