Is the Best Way to Build the Oakland Raiders' Defense Through Offense?

Lately in Raider Land there is great debate.  Mostly on what the teams greatest needs are and even debate on what does or doesn't need to be fixed.  Many of us can't agree on a single position let alone defense or offense.

Theres even that argument that an improved offense automatically improves are poor defense.  Kind of like hitting two birds with one stone. But could this be true,  or even possible.

Many will argue that the defense fails because the T.O.P. (time of possesion) is to often in favor of the opposing team.  This causes the defense to become tired due to to much time on the field.  In turn they aren't able to make a stop and give up to many plays or yards.

Good examples of this are the Buffalo Bills game where we allowed a 16 play 96 yard drive that took up 8min 56 sec late in the this this ultimately led to a fatigued defense and a last second lead change via the opposing teams kicker.

Another example was a late lead change against the San Diego Chargers that led to another loss.  In this game Ladainian Tomlinson was pretty much silent until he was able to burn the Raiders Defense for around 80 yards in the fourth quarter alone.  This to can be linked to a tired defense that spent too much time on the field.

How can an Improved offense improve the defense?

-The Raiders often went three and out meaning they were forced to punt after failing to gain one first down.  This forces the defense to return to the field after only three plays of rest,  often less than two minutes. 

While a better offense would have been able to sustain a drive longer.  Which in turn leads to longer rest for the defense,  better field position and maybe even more points on the board.

-If the offense scores more points the defense won't be required to make so many stops.  When the Raiders hold the opposing team to 17 points or less they were undefeated,  when the Raiders allowed the opponents to score more 18+ points they were a dismal 1-11. 

So if the Raiders scored more points and the defense was technically r required to allow  24 points instead of 17 then the Raiders may have been competing for the AFC west.

-If the offense is more successful it will "pump" the defense and better encourage them to perform.  Its no secret big hits big plays and celebrations are contagious.  Also more points add hope to the defense knowing that its not all on them.

Arguments against building defense through the offense

-Our Run-Defense was ranked 31st nearly last in the NFL.  It wasn't just the 4th quarter we gave up big gains on the ground.  Teams were able to run at will throughout the game against the Raider defense.

-The Raider defense needs to make more stops.  It is also the defenses responsibility to get of the field:  in the Buffalo game them being tired was there own fault T.O.P. was fairly even until the Raider D allowed 16 play drive to go 96 yards and take up nearly nine minutes. 

This drive didn't take away the Raiders lead but it is where they basically collapsed losing two starters Gerrard Warren (neck injury)  and Gibril Wilson (Ejection from game on Buffalos scoring play). 

This inability to make a stop set up the Raiders to Fail on defense again allowing the Bills to drive down the field for a 38 yard field goal in the ending seconds of the game.

-The ability to stop the run would complete the Raiders defense as they already have a great pass defense.  In 2006 Raider linebackers led the league in interceptions,  funny thing about that is these are the same linebackers currently on the roster.

With teams forced to throw the ball against us this allows for the likes of Nnamdi Asomugha, Chris Johnson, Kirk Morrison, Thomas Howard and whoever else can once again be the ball-hawks we All know they are.

MY Conclusion

It is my opinion that building the defense through the offense is not a realistic achievement.  The best thing for the Raiders to do right now is improve the run-D this can be achieved by adding one or two pieces to the defense a Nose-Tackle and a true Strong-Safety.

As for the offense it is not as hopeless as some make it out to be.  We have a great running game and are passing game showed alot of promise late in the year and even early against the Jets especially in overtime. 

But I'd like to hear what everyone else thinks.