Analyzing the Oakland Raiders' Linebackers

Linebackers are a key part of any NFL defense. From a physical standpoint, linebackers are impressive—usually 240+ lbs, little if any body fat, chiseled muscles, no necks, good speed and agility.

Their job is to inflict pain and punishment on offensive players, and make them think twice about bringing the ball into their areas of the field.

If you examine any team’s defensive statistics, including the Raiders, you will see that linebackers make the majority of the tackles. On teams that are strong against the rush, most of these tackles take place near the line of scrimmage, thanks in part to a strong push by the defensive line.

Unfortunately, last season, many of the Raider linebackers' tackles took place farther down field than one would prefer.

In 2008, the Raiders’ defense struggled, finishing 27th in total yards given up, and 24th in points allowed per game. The passing defense fared better, ranking 10th in the league in yards surrendered.

However, the rushing defense was abysmal, ranked next to last (31st) in the league. The inability to stop the run also resulted in the Raiders being ranked 28th in time of possession. Your offense can’t score if your defense is on the field.

The Raiders have two very effective linebackers, Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard.

Kirk Morrison, the Raiders’ fifth year inside linebacker, is a tackling machine, registering the fifth most tackles in the league last year. He led the team with 135 tackles, two forced fumbles, one sack, and one interception last season. Morrison is a stout defender in the middle, has the perfect size for his position at 6’2”, 240 lbs, has run a respectable 4.7 second 40-yard dash, and has great instincts for the ball.

Thomas Howard, the Raiders fourth year weak side linebacker, had 97 tackles, two forced fumbles, one sack, and one interception last season. Howard has good size at 6’3”, 240 lb, and has exceptional speed, with a 4.4 second 40-yard dash. His size, speed, and good instincts make him a strong defender against both the run and the pass, and a real asset to the team.

The Raiders don’t have an excellent performer at the strong side linebacker position. This position has been a revolving door the past few years, with out-of-position players like Grant Irons, Adam Archuletta, Darnell Bing, and Tyler Brayton unsuccessfully thrown into the mix. The Raiders have also experienced injuries to players in this position, which doesn’t help things.

The strong side linebacker’s job is to contain the running back on the strong side of the field, which means he takes on the tight end on nearly every play. He is also responsible for helping to cover the tight end in some pass coverage schemes. A prototypical strong side linebacker weighs 240 to 255 pounds, runs a 4.6 to 4.7 second 40-yard dash, and has good instincts for the ball. Of course, faster is always better.

Last year, Ricky Brown, a long time special teams standout, started the season as the strong side linebacker, and did a pretty good job. He garnered 37 tackles, one forced fumble, no sacks, and no interceptions.

A groin injury ended his season after seven games. At 6’2”, 235 lbs, he is a little light for the position, but his 4.5 second speed in the 40-yard dash serves him well, especially in pass coverage.

Sam Williams, a seventh year player, stepped in for Brown when he went down, and started a couple of games with a rather unspectacular 12 tackles, no forced fumbles, no sacks, and one interception. Williams has good size at 6’5” 260 lbs, but his lack of speed makes him a liability on pass coverage, and his football instincts have also been questioned.

Jon Alston, a fourth year player, started four games for the Raiders last year at strong side linebacker, and collected 34 tackles, one forced fumble, no sacks, and no interceptions. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have the size for this position at 6’0”, 225 lbs, but does have 4.5 second 40-yard dash speed, and defended effectively on passing plays. He is a special teams standout.

Isaiah Ekejiuba, a fifth year player, is also a special teams standout, with eight tackles and one forced fumble last year. He started out as a 6’4”, 216 lb college strong safety with 4.8 second speed in the 40-yard dash. After arriving in the NFL, he bulked up to a reported 240 lbs.

The Raider Nation also suffered a tragic loss last month when Marquis Cooper was lost in a boating accident in the Gulf of Mexico.

So where does this leave the Raiders? As of today, they only have six linebackers on the roster, two of which specialize in special teams play. Without question, more players will be brought in during and after the draft to compete for linebacker positions. As I see it:

• Obtaining a big, fast strong side linebacker would help both the run and pass defense.
• Ricky Brown looks to be the best all around strong side linebacker on the roster, but is a little light for the position,
• There is little depth behind the starters on the team, which could be a serious problem if Morrison or Howard are injured.
• The linebackers only had two of the team's 32 sacks last year, not a good statistic.

The key to improving the Raiders' run defense is to improve the play of the defensive line, which needs an infusion of new talent. An improved push by the defensive line at the point of attack will allow the Raiders’ linebackers to make plays closer to the line of scrimmage, and help pressure the quarterback on passing plays.

The Raiders would also benefit from obtaining a solid strong side linebacker. On my strong side linebacker wish list, I would love to see the Raiders draft speedy (4.5 second 40-yard dash), 256 lb, versatile Conner Barwin in round two of the draft.

Whatever happens, it would be great to once again have a Mad Stork type player wearing the silver and black, creating mayhem and havoc on the field from the linebacker position.