The Oakland Raiders were tasked with having to replace nine starters on defense. Players left in bunches this offseason as general manager Reggie McKenzie cleaned house on the defensive unit. While several players left, the team signed a few key veterans that are expected to anchor the unit filled with unproven talent. With some big bodies making some noise Dennis Allen is excited by the players on the field.
310-pound Pat Sims tells reporters his job is simple, "I'm a run stopper." The five-year veteran made his debut in the final preseason game after sitting out due to a hamstring injury. Already he is adding a new spark to the struggling defense. Against the Seahawks, he placed a hit on Russell Wilson that the quarterback might still be suffering from. Allen could not be happier.
"Pat's got to put his mind to it that he wants to rush the passer," Allen said, via SFGate.com. "You saw, at times, the other night, when he sets his mind to it that he really can go out and do it. He missed a lot of training camp, so we've got to get him into shape so he can play a significant amount of plays and we can get him in there in more pass-rushing situations."
Sims is just one player expected to step up and show off his experience. The tackle is replacing Richard Seymour up front and if he can stay healthy, the Raiders will not notice a difference. Along with Sims, Lamarr Houston, Sio Moore and Charles Woodson are working to mesh together in order to former chemistry quickly. All 11 starters have yet to be on the field at the same time in preseason play.
"We haven't had a chance to jell together," Sims said. "We're going to have to learn on the fly. From the secondary on down, we've got some nice pieces. We're going to be a good defense."
While the defense is slowing providing some good news for the Raiders, injuries continue to hamper spirits on the field. Left tackle Menelik Watson tweaked his knee in practice on Wednesday. The severity of the injury is unknown, but the Raiders cannot afford to have any more injuries on the offensive line. With Terrelle Pryor taking over at quarterback, the team needs the best bodies up front.
Allen continues to remain quiet on officially announcing the team's starting quarterback. He believes not naming someone is the best way to keep competition alive. The Chronicle reports that Pryor is getting the start, despite the silence by the head coach.
