OAKLAND - The Raiders have a lot invested in their defense. I even thought it would be the strength of the team.
But with injuries in the secondary and coming of a shaky showing last week in Buffalo, the defense is proving it needs a work before it can be classified among the elite.
The offense - has managed to be the reliable unit through three weeks.
The Raiders have 92 points through three games - the most since the Raiders put up 113 in the first three games of the 2002 season.
Hue Jackson has been creative in his playcalling. Quarterback Jason Campbell has taken care off the ball (his only interception came on a Hail Mary at the end of last week's loss at Bufalo). The offensive line has been very good and pass protection has not been a problem (two sacks in three games).
Jacoby Ford's injury hasn't been an excuse. It's just meant more time for Denarius Moore - which is a good thing.
No Kevin Boss at tight end for two weeks wasn't an excuse. And when the Raiders lost last week, the offense did give the defense a lead to protect late.
So while the defense sorts out things, there's a level of comfort knowing a 10-point lead by the opposition doesn't mean game over for the Raiders.
"It feels good but at the same time it kind of makes you feel bad after what they did last week, they put up 35 and we blew an 18-point lead," said defensive tackle Tommy Kelly. "So it feels good, I ain't going to lie, actually having a chance to win and not needing the other team to turn the ball over three or four times just to keep it close."
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