Kubiak stands by Raiders defense as 30-plus points allowed streak hits 6 games

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Las Vegas coach Klint Kubiak expressed confidence in his defense despite the team's recent struggles, stating that the talent is better than what the Raiders have shown in the past month and a half. The Raiders are currently on a historical run, allowing 30-plus points in six consecutive games, tying the record set by Detroit and Jacksonville in 2020.

Kubiak believes the team will address these issues and develop players for the long term, standing by the defensive staff and players. The defense has faced high-powered offenses during this period, with the 38-33 victory over the New York Jets being the only exception. The Raiders made improvements in the offseason, signing players like Kwity Paye and Nakobe Dean, but Pro Football Focus rates Paye as 103rd out of 109 ends, Dean 16th among 79 linebackers, and Walker 76th.

The secondary was prioritized in the draft, with Treydan Stukes, Jermod McCoy, and Hezekiah Masses selected in the draft. Despite these efforts, the defense still appears to need more help, as opposing offenses focus on limiting the pass rusher Maxx Crosby. Kubiak acknowledged that the Raiders have had solid halves and more aggressive ones, but they need to find a way to play a four-quarter game.

The team's offense struggles with the ground game, leading to a reliance on the passing game in most games. The Raiders' only victory this season came against the Jets, when they ran the ball 55% of the time. Despite facing high-powered offenses and challenges on both sides of the ball, Kubiak remains optimistic about the Raiders' future.