The Oakland Raiders wrapped up Week 7 with an impressive 33-16 over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Cornerback Sean Smith and the defense had a noteworthy showing, limiting the Jaguars offense. With the team at 5-2 on the season, not only do they lead the AFC West, but are off to the best start in over a decade.
Head coach Jack Del Rio and his team is fully invested into making a statement, as the Raiders are moving in the right direction as a winning culture.
Although the team has suffered through plan-changing injuries, the team has maneuvered around the difficulties in order to succeed. Credit should be given to Del Rio, as his philosophy of the next man up has the entire roster ready to contribute should they be called upon.
Smith has met the call, as one of the strong defensive backs making an impact on the defensive end. Although the Raiders defense hasn’t amounted to their full potential yet, Smith and the defense are aware of the significance of their success, via Raiders.com:
“Words can’t really explain what’s going on right now. We got something special going on here.”
In Sunday’s contest, Smith had four huge tackles against the Jaguars, including a tremendous play to interrupt a momentum-changing pass late in the game.
Smith has remained healthy throughout the season, starting in all seven games. His veteran experience is much needed, as the eight-year player has assured one side of the secondary this season.
The California native shed light on the success of the team, stating each player is putting in that required effort to continue succeeding:
“I think everybody realizes it,” Smith said. “Everybody is willing to put the time and work in and effort to go out there and do whatever it takes to get the W.”
The Raiders are 4-0 on the road this season, including a 1-1 mark against the AFC West.
Coach Del Rio and has staff gear up for another road test, against a noteworthy offense in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
If the Raiders can clinch another road victory, they return to the Coliseum in great shape, with four consecutive games at the Coliseum.
