The Raiders are all about reclaiming the ball.
Rob Leonard wants his defense to approach each play with that mindset—whether it’s in the air, pressed against a running back, or just briefly exposed as a receiver turns. Every moment on the field is an opportunity to seize what the opposing offense is simply borrowing.
This mentality is evident in a defense that is energetic, physical, and relentless in their pursuit of turnovers, which has been crucial to their unbeaten start as they prepare to face the Chiefs.
So far this season, the Raiders lead the NFL with nine takeaways and are tied for fourth with ten sacks. They rank 11th in total defense, allowing 316.7 yards per game, while giving up only 18 points on average, placing them seventh for fewest points allowed.
This aggressive approach has been effective in creating extra possessions and disrupting opposing quarterbacks, which is exactly what Leonard is demanding.
Maxx Crosby attributes the team’s takeaway mentality to Leonard, saying, “It starts with Robbie. He trusts us as a group. We talk about taking the ball away every day here. We had four [takeaways] in the second half last week. Keep that going and your chances of winning improve significantly.”
The stats back him up: the Raiders boast a plus-five turnover differential, a stark contrast to last season’s minus-nine despite only managing 16 takeaways.
They’re already well on their way, having surpassed the halfway point to last year’s total and with 14 games still to play.
A key moment showcasing Leonard’s impact was during their recent game in New Orleans. Despite some struggles, the defense took charge and forced turnovers on the Saints’ last four possessions, turning an 11-point deficit into a 35-27 victory.
Four possessions. Four chances to shift the momentum. Four times the Raiders reclaimed possession.
This is the standard Leonard aims to set. And according to his players, this drive begins well before the fourth quarter arrives.
Leonard, a first-time NFL defensive coordinator, has built up experience since joining the league with the Giants in 2013. He spent time with the Dolphins and coached linebackers for the Ravens before joining the Raiders in 2023, eventually earning his current position after working with the defensive line and run game coordination duties. Now, he is leaving his mark on the defensive unit.
“You get what you emphasize. You choose what to focus on,” Leonard remarked. “There are many distractions in this job and in life when it comes to prioritizing taking away the ball. It can’t just be talk; I believe these players have really embraced that.”
Message received loud and clear.
As linebacker Nakobe Dean puts it, “Our style of play is about taking the ball away. Each week, we need to see how many we can get.”
There’s a clear expectation there.
Dean sees takeaways as assignments, approached with the same focus as correctly lining up or tackling.
This week, especially with the Chiefs visiting, is particularly important.
Cornerback Eric Stokes described Leonard’s emphasis on ball awareness as, “If the ball is in the air, it’s mine. It’s not just a coin toss situation. When a running back has it, the first hitter tackles him, and the second guy tries to punch it out.”
This mindset illustrates the high energy level the Raiders are playing with.
Every defender has a role; the first player ensures the tackle, while the second moves in to disrupt and possibly recover. It’s a team effort, with everyone motivated to pursue the ball.
Defensive back Taron Johnson notes the clear link between coaching emphasis and player performance. “The coaches are very upfront about going after the ball, whether it’s in the air or during a tackle attempt. They keep reminding us, and we’ve got players here who know how to execute that mindset effectively.”
The word “precise” carries weight.
There’s a specific purpose behind their aggression. The Raiders not only aim to tackle, but also to locate the football, arrive with force, and capitalize on any openings that present themselves.
Dean exemplifies this approach well. His speed and physicality make significant impacts, aligning perfectly with the urgency Leonard seeks to instill in his defense.
“He has a real impact on the game,” Johnson remarked. “His speed in getting to the ball and how forcefully he arrives make a difference.”
Of course, there’s still work to do; their performance against the Saints highlighted that, particularly at times when they struggled to pressure the quarterback and could not get off the field.
Relying on taking the ball away four times to escape challenges is a somewhat demanding task.
Leonard’s goal is to cultivate a defense capable of dictating the pace of the game while maintaining the aggressive style that previously saved them.
But something significant is beginning to take root.
His players believe in his vision. Crosby acknowledges the mutual trust coming back from Leonard, and this defense is starting to craft an identity centered on making impactful plays.
The ball is there for the taking. Leonard’s Raiders are determined to grab it.
