NFL writer reveals biggest challenge Raiders are facing in 2025
After weeks of practices, the Raiders finally got to take the field last weekend for their first preseason game.
The Raiders went up to Seattle to take on the Seahawks. It was a homecoming for Geno Smith and Pete Carroll, who both spent years in Seattle and returned for the first time as Raiders.
In the opener, the Raiders overcome a slow start to end up escaping with a tie. Of course, wins and losses don't matter in the preseason, so games are allowed to end in ties.
Overall, the vibes are pretty good in Las Vegas right now. With a new coaching staff and several new playmakers, it's not surprising that many are expecting a big jump from the team in 2025.
However, even with the positive vibes, Jared Dubin of CBS Sports believes the defensive backs are the biggest problem area the Raiders are facing in 2025.
The Raiders lost Nate Hobbs, Jack Jones, Tre'von Moehrig, and Jakorian Bennett from the group this offseason, and added Jeremy Chinn, Eric Stokes, and rookie Darien Porter. It's entirely possible this group is better in 2025, but it's far from a guarantee.
Dubin offered the following regarding the room:
The Raiders are starting a ton of new defensive backs this year. Gone are guys like Nate Hobbs and Tre'von Moehrig and Jack Jones and Jakorian Bennett. Newly arrived are Jeremy Chinn and Eric Stokes and third-round pick Darien Porter. We know that Pete Carroll can coach up defensive backs, but we also know it didn't look all that pretty on the back end down the stretch of his time with the Seahawks. With a ton of turnover and not much in the way of elite talent, the back end is a big question mark here.
As Dubin mentioned, there's been a ton of turnover in the room, and there's no guarantee this will improve things.
Currently, Porter, Stokes, and Darnay Holmes are penciled in to start at the corner spots, with Isaiah Pola-Mao and Chinn starting at the safety spots. One of the standout performers from the preseason opener, Kyu Blu Kelly could end up factoring in as well.
There's just too many unknowns to feel confident about this secondary. The quarterback position was the biggest challenge last year, but that should be solidified with the reliable veteran Smith.
Porter could be the biggest X-factor for this unit. If the rookie earns the starter role immediately and becomes a reliable cover corner, the team could be in good shape. If Porter struggles though, it could be a long season for this pass defense.
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