Patrick Graham Faces Criticism as He Delves Into What’s Really Troubling the Raiders’ Defense
Patrick Graham, defensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders, has faced significant criticism after discussing the underlying issues plaguing the team’s defense this season. In a candid interview, Graham acknowledged the struggles his unit has experienced but also highlighted some of the deeper challenges contributing to the Raiders’ defensive woes.
“We’ve got to be honest with ourselves — we’re not where we need to be defensively,” Graham said. “There are a lot of factors at play. We’re dealing with inconsistency in execution, and sometimes we’re just not being as disciplined as we should be. It’s a combination of things, and we’ve got to fix it quickly.”
Graham’s openness about the team’s struggles has drawn a mix of reactions, with some praising his honesty while others feel his admission of difficulty raises questions about his ability to lead the defense effectively. Critics have pointed to the team’s poor performance in key situations, such as third downs and red-zone defense, as areas where Graham’s strategies have failed to produce consistent results.
“The defense is supposed to be the backbone of this team,” said an NFL analyst. “When you hear your defensive coordinator admit there’s a lack of discipline and execution, it doesn’t inspire confidence. The Raiders have a lot of talent, but if they’re not executing properly, that falls squarely on the coaches.”
In his interview, Graham also addressed the personnel issues that have been a factor in the defense’s struggles, including injuries to key players and a lack of depth in certain positions. However, he also emphasized that it’s not just about injuries — it’s about ensuring the players on the field are executing the game plan effectively.
“We have to find a way to adapt,” Graham explained. “Whether it’s injuries or just general execution, it’s up to us as a coaching staff to make sure that everyone is ready to step up when called upon. We’ve got to get back to the fundamentals and make sure we’re doing the little things right.”
While Graham’s willingness to discuss the challenges his defense is facing shows a level of accountability, it also highlights the urgency for the Raiders to make significant improvements. As the season progresses, the defense will need to make adjustments if the team hopes to remain in playoff contention.
“We’re not shying away from the criticism,” Graham concluded. “We know we have to do better, and we will. It’s a tough situation, but we’re up for the challenge.”
The Raiders’ defense remains a work in progress, and while Graham’s remarks have sparked debate, they have also set the stage for what will likely be a crucial period of evaluation and adjustment for the unit moving forward.
Broncos QB Bo Nix Gives Strong Reaction After Trade Deadline Decision
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Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos reacts against the Houston Texans.
The Denver Broncos let the 2025 trade deadline come and go without getting anything done. Broncos quarterback Bo Nix offered strong thoughts about why that was. He also spoke about what it means for the team this season.
It was not as if the Broncos did not try. However, their desire fell short of what was required to make something happen.
For Nix, the decision came as little to no surprise.
Bo Nix: ‘Great’ Broncos Confident Enough to Stand Pat at Trade Deadline
GettyBo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos reacts after defeating the New York Giants.
Nix fielded a question about what is says to the team that the Broncos did not go all out to add a piece. Particularly, he was asked what it says about head coach Sean Payton’s faith in the group.
Nix called it “great.”
“Obviously, if there’s a need, you want to get it,” Nix told reporters on November 4. “But we feel like we got all the pieces. And so, sometimes when something like that happens, it shakes things up. And we got something good going, and we just want to keep riding this wave and finding ways to win.”
Much of the conversation around the Broncos’ trade plans stemmed from seeking help for Nix, be it another target or protection amid injuries to their offensive line.
The Broncos attempted to bring in tight ends and explored wide receiver trades.
Their biggest addition was veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis, who will have a bit role on the field and provide a locker room presence. Other than that, it is up to Nix and his current crop of pass catchers to take the necessary next steps.
Broncos WR Reacts to Trade Deadline
GettyTroy Franklin #11 of the Denver Broncos reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts.
One of Nix’s top targets, current Broncos wideout and former Oregon Ducks teammate Troy Franklin, spoke candidly about the Broncos’ lack of action at the deadline.
According to Franklin, it was not surprising based on what they had been told.
“Sean (Payton has) been telling us all year he loves our team, loves the receiver group and we don’t really need anything, so he’s kept his word,” Franklin said, per The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson in a post on X on November 4.
Payton said leading up to the deadline that the Broncos would be open to a deal. However, that was only if it provided actual value, and not just to make something happen.
Franklin “especially” did not expect a WR move, per Tomasson, but Denver explored its options.
“The Broncos did NOT make a trade before the trade deadline,” DNVR’s Zac Stevens reported on X on November 4. “From my understanding, they looked into making moves, but didn’t force anything.”
Bo Nix: Broncos Looking to ‘Improve Faster’ Than Competition
GettyBo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos on the field after defeating the Houston Texans.
Nix acknowledged the Broncos’ fourth-quarter prowess has belied the difficulty of scoring. He joked that not facing a top defense like the Houston Texans in Week 9 would help. He also noted that the Broncos are far from satisfied with so much of the season left.
At 7-2, tied for the best record in the NFL, and riding a six-game winning streak is nice, but hardly their end goal.
Their main focus is continuing to improve.
“We have so many things that we want to correct. And we feel like we haven’t even played a complete game offensively, much less, as a team. And so, I think once we start doing that, then we got to be careful about being too lax. But until then, we’re all in a growth mindset, and we’re worried about the things that we can fix,” Nix told reporters on Tuesday.
“Because there’s several of them from each position that we’re trying to focus on. And until we’re hitting all the ones that we need to hit, I don’t think we’re going to be able to be relaxed. Because we have a lot of guys that are competitive. We don’t have a bunch of frontrunners. We just got a locker room full of guys that are trying to race to improve, and improve faster than everybody else in the league.”
