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It's almost been a month since the Oakland Raiders brought down an opposing quarterback.
Yes, you read that correctly.
The last time the Silver and Black sacked a quarterback was in Week 6 against the Seattle Seahawks, which came courtesy of rookie Arden Key. Creating pressure and forcing contrasting signal-callers to make it difficult for the future, but hopefully a couple of new additions will help turn things around.
Monday, the team signed defenseless Kony Ealy and Jacquies Smith defensive ends, and both of them have impressive numbers over the course of their careers. NFL, and the two have combined for 28.5 sacks, 135 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 17 defensed passes, 10 forced fumbles, and two interceptions. Not only have Ealy and Smith been reliable contributors over the course of their careers, but in their mid-20s (Ealy is 26 years old, Smith is 28 years old). With Jon Gruden, Head Coach Jon Gruden is making a difference.
"They're interesting," Gruden said Wednesday. "Jacquies Smith has played for a couple of different teams. We know Kony Ealy has had production in some big moments. They are both young players, that are healthy, that have size. They have some position versatility. They can play on the tight end on first down or third down, and we'll see where they are this week. We certainly can use their help. "
For those who do not remember, just three years ago Ealy had a standout performance in Super Bowl 50, totaling four tackles, three sacks, and one pass defensed. At just 26 years of age, the 6'4 ", 275-pound defensive lineman can be a terror at the line of scrimmage, and boy, do the Raiders need it. Fortunately, the team will also be getting back two of its defensive linemen who have spent the majority of 2018 injured.
"I think Eddie Vanderdoes is doing very well," Gruden said when asked about the status of the second-year lineman. "I do not know that he'll be up this week, but Arizona is a legitimate target for him. I think Ellis could be back next week. I do not think he'll practice this week. Both of those guys are getting close. "
While Vanderdoes and Ellis are not expected to return to action until Week 11 at the earliest, Vanderdoes goal has continued progressing during practice. I'm sure the team will be defeated in the fight against the Chargers, but their teammates will try and pick up the slack.
The rush has been lackluster, but it's not enough to make it rushing yards in the last two weeks. This is where the team plays pro Bowl running back Melvin Gordon. The defensive line will certainly have its hands full, and when will it kick off? Against a division rival the Raiders need a win, as they try to avoid the series Philip Rivers and Co. We'll see how Oakland Raiders and Ealy and Smith play in their first game.
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