USA Today Sports
Jon Gruden has appointed Gus Bradley to be the new Raiders defense coordinator, with the idea that Bradley can significantly improve a backward unit.
Since Gruden stepped out of the broadcast to coach the Raiders for a second time, the team finished 26th, 19th and 25th in the allowed meters and the 32nd, 24th and 30th points allowed.
At his first virtual press conference as Las Vegas DC, Bradley said Tuesday he wants to quickly, physically set up a defense and find ways to create takeaways.
But the Raiders have several young defensive players who need to take steps to advance their development. In the last two drafts, the team has defensive end Clelin Ferrell (No. 4 overall in 2019), safety Johnathan Abram (No. 27 in 2019), cornerback Trayvon Mullen (No. 40 in 2019), defensive end, Maxx Crosby, picked up. (No. 106 in 2019), and cornerback Damon Arnette (No. 19 in 2020). Of this group, Mullen and Crosby showed the most promise.
“I think there are pieces in place. “To give you a fair rating, I really want the chance to really watch the film, because sometimes they’re going to play differently in a system,” Bradley said. ‘But I’m excited. I know there is a hungry group of guys and they want to get better. ‘
Although Bradley is probably best known for managing the Cover 3 system that was implemented when he was Seattle’s defense coordinator, the coach said the scheme in Las Vegas would be multiple. But the key is to be able to chase the passer – something the Raiders have not done well since trading Khalil Mach before the start of the 2018 season in Chicago.
If you can influence the quarterback, you have a good chance of helping your team reach the level you are all shooting for, ‘Bradley said.
Bradley plans to keep defensive coach Rod Marinelli in his place, but still needs to meet with other members of the defensive coach. Bradley said he is interested in getting more assistant coaches at the Chargers if there is an open position at Las Vegas.