Gus Bradley: Raiders have a bunch of hungry guys who want to get better

USA Today Sports

Jon Gruden has hired Gus Bradley to be the Raiders’ new defensive coordinator, with the expectation that Bradley will be able to significantly improve what has been a lagging unit.

Since Gruden stepped out of the broadcast booth to coach the Raiders for a second time, the team have finished 26th, 19th and 25th in yards allowed and 32nd, 24th and 30th in points allowed.

During his first virtual press conference as a DC in Las Vegas, Bradley said on Tuesday that he wanted to create a quick, physical defense and find ways to create take-out.

But the Raiders have several young defensive players who need to take action to continue their development. In the last two drafts, the team have taken over defensive end Clelin Ferrell (4th overall in 2019), goalkeeper Johnathan Abram (no 27 in 2019), cornerback Trayvon Mullen (no 40 in 2019), defensive end Maxx Crosby (No.106 in 2019) and cornerback Damon Arnette (No.19 in 2020). Of this group, Mullen and Crosby have posted the most promises.

“I think there are pieces in place there. But to give you a fair assessment, I would really love to have a chance to really watch the movie because sometimes in a system they’re going to play differently, ”Bradley said. “But I’m excited. I know there is a bunch of hungry guys out there and they want to get better.

While Bradley is probably best known for running the Cover 3 system implemented when he was Seattle’s defensive coordinator, the coach said the Las Vegas schedule will be multiple. But the key is being able to rush the passer – something the Raiders haven’t done well since Khalil Mach traded to Chicago before the start of the 2018 season.

If you can affect the quarterback, you have a good chance of helping your team reach that level that you are all aiming for, ”Bradley said.

Bradley plans to keep defensive line coach Rod Marinelli in place, but has yet to meet with other defensive coaching staff. Bradley has said he wants to recruit more assistant coaches from the Chargers if there are any vacancies in Las Vegas.