Jack Del Rio has an explanation for the Oakland Raiders’ defensive struggles to start the season.
The Raiders fell to the Falcons 35-28 on Sunday and allowed 528 yards on defense. When asked by the media if Del Rio needs to take over more play calls instead of defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr., Del Rio said that wasn’t the issue with the team’s defense.
“Priority No. 1 for our staff is to make sure we get our eyes were they belong with our players,” Del Rio said Monday via ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez. “Who sends the call in is not what’s most important. Priority No. 1 has to be getting our guys to stop having eye violations. Get your eyes where they belong and do your job.”
Del Rio reiterated that the Raiders’ eyes “aren’t where they need to be.”
The Raiders have allowed 69 points through two games, which is the second-highest amount in the league. Even in their 35-34 win over the Saints in Week 1, they still allowed over 500 yards. All together they have allowed more yards than any team in the league.
Oakland thought they were improving their defense by adding players like Reggie Nelson and Bruce Irvin, but the results aren’t showing yet.
