The Las Vegas Raiders defense look to find out truths about themselves when they play a rookie quarterback on Sunday. To see exactly where they are as a unit, the Raiders defense must answer these five questions.
The season is over. It sucks to say but it's done and dusted. This time is perfect to see which players are worth keeping and who can go. On top of that, this is Patrick Graham's moment to show the world if he's the man for the job moving forward as a full overhaul will be needed this offseason.
Las Vegas Raiders Coach Pete Carroll
Las Vegas Raiders Coach Pete Carroll / Darrell Craig Harris, On SI
The Browns are starting Shedeur Sanders, so the best way to force him into mistakes is to make him do something. Can the Raiders stop the Browns' offense enough to not only force Sanders to pass the ball but to pass on third and long situations?
Las Vegas Raiders Pete Carroll
Las Vegas Raiders Pete Carroll / Darrell Craig Harris, On SI
This is Sanders' moment and to be frank, it's going to be feast or famine for him and if it's feast, people in Las Vegas will lose their jobs. Sanders has clearly shown he struggles under pressure and while that's expected as he's still developing NFL traits, the Raiders haven't been the best at pressuring the quarterback either.
Shedeur Sanders
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) heads back to the locker room following a 23-16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in his first NFL football game at Huntington Bank Field, Nov. 16, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio. / Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Which Raiders defender will step up and what can Patrick Graham scheme up to induce pressure or hesitation?
The Raiders proved last week that even when receivers break team rules, they'll still be able to walk into Allegiant Stadium and have success so how do the Raiders handle covering Jerry Jeudy? Jeudy is the Browns' best aerial threat by a mile and while they should do enough to contain him, the question then shifts regarding if the Raiders have enough to make up whatever gap covering Jeudy leaves in their defense.
Las Vegas Raiders CB Darien Porter
Las Vegas Raiders CB Darien Porter / Darrell Craig Harris, On SI
One of the narratives surrounding this game is Quinshon Judkins versus Ashton Jeanty. Both were successful collegiate running backs who were clearly physically gifted athletes that have no issue competing against the best.
Quinshon Judkins
Nov 16, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins (10) runs for a gain during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images / Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Already, the Raiders are going to be questioned about not drafting Sanders, so if the defense can keep Judkins at bay, that's at least one more thing that they can keep out of their locker room, especially away from the underutilized rookie who's already feeling the pressure to perform.
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