Rob Leonard’s clock ticking after Week 9 San Francisco 49ers loss with historically bad Las Vegas Raiders’ defense
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With the NFL’s midseason mark approaching, the Las Vegas Raiders’ defense remains a critical concern after a 38-17 Week 9 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers. The unit’s struggles are stark: they’ve allowed at least 30 points in six straight games, a stretch not seen since 2020, and have yet to stop a playoff-caliber opponent.
The Raiders’ pass rush is nearly nonexistent, and their inability to halt the run has left them vulnerable, particularly with a historically weak defense this season. Defensive coordinator Rob Leonard now faces mounting pressure, though he may still have time before facing consequences.
Meanwhile, general manager John Spytek’s heavy spending on defensive talent—over $165 million in contracts—has yet to yield consistent results, with only Nakobe Dean delivering any semblance of impact. On the bright side, second-round pick Treydan Stukes has emerged as a standout, earning a career-high coverage grade after intercepting two passes in the loss to San Francisco.
