Coming out of their bye week, the Oakland Raiders appear to be finding their stride a bit after defeating the Miami Dolphins on the road in Week 9. At 4-5, the Raiders are currently second in the AFC West and still have an opportunity to make up ground against the division-leading Kansas City Chiefs.
Oakland’s secondary has taken a beating during the 2017 NFL season as 2017 first-round pick Gareon Conley was recently placed on injured reserve. Defense has always been the Raiders’ Achilles heel and it is even more concerning given their lack of depth at the safety and cornerback positions.
Fortunately, Khalil Mack is still producing at an All-Pro level and according to Scott Bair of NBC Sports, Mack is set on being with the Raiders long term:
Of course. That’s not even a question,” Mack said in an exclusive interview with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Fallon Smith, which airs in this week’s episode of “Raiders Central.” “That’s a no-brainer for me, especially when you think about coming into this organization and try to build something special, that’s something you want to be a part of for a lifetime”
The reigning Defensive Player of the Year is the heart and soul of the team’s defense and he has not disappointed this year. He is still a menace capable of disrupting the opposing offense with his combination of speed and power.
The Raiders will play in Mexico City against the New England Patriots in Week 11 in what should be a shootout. It will be interesting to see if Mack is able to make life difficult for Tom Brady and give the silver and black a shot to win.
