Chandler JonesLas Vegas RaidersMaxx Crosby

Will Las Vegas’ Chandler Jones Gamble Pay Off?

By Anthony Licciardi

 

The Las Vegas Raiders…they’re just like us! They head to Sin City, spend a lot of money, and when it is all said and done, they end the day disappointed. 

 

This defense is putrid. They finished 25th in EPA/Play and intercepted a league-worst six passes in 2021. The secondary is a perpetual work in progress and up the middle there is certainly room for improvement.

 

Where they’ve found success, however, is in the pass rush. Maxx Crosby is as underrated as he is talented. Last year he only found eight sacks, but racked up 42 pressures. He was a force to be reckoned with, especially with the playoffs on the line in Week 18.

 

Las Vegas decided to double down on their star edge rusher by acquiring Chandler Jones. Jones, a multiple time All-Pro, will add a second horse to their stable. The move should be mutually beneficial. Simply put, you can’t double team both of them. 

 

Combining Jones and Crosby is the lone path to defensive adequacy. 

 

Having one star edge rusher makes game planning tough. The pass rush synergy that comes with a second stud is invaluable. 

 

Facing Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Russell Wilson twice a year means anything less than non-elite secondary play could crumble very quickly. The one chance at an antidote is a pass rush dominant enough to disturb offensive plans and make life hell for those under center.

 

Giving those aforementioned quarterbacks time to breathe is a death sentence, and they are equally lethal against the blitz. Getting home consistently with four is the only way to avoid a shredded secondary.

 

Crosby almost single-handedly won the Raiders games last year. Now, he’ll have less of a burden on his back and some more rest, too. Jones, following a 10.5 sack season, is the defensive X-Factor for this Las Vegas defense.

 

Additionally, Jones is one of the sport’s finest technicians. Even if his athleticism wanes as his 30s progress, he should retain a high level of play. 

 

Attempting to compete in such a tough division is a gamble in its own right, and doing it with such massive holes on the roster feels like a desperation play after a rough night at the casino. Yet, there’s a legitimate path to success. 

Right now, DraftKings has projected the Raiders to win 8.5 games. They are listed at -120 to beat that mark, meaning there’s $83.33 to win on a $100 bet. With a stable offense and a healthy 17 from Crosby and Jones, Las Vegas’ gamble could pay dividends in the wild AFC West.

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Bet Basics Team
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