Lack of Mack sacks not a big worry
Everyone wants to talk about Khalil Mack’s zero sacks, but Raiders defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. had another number in mind: Three.
“We had a few turnovers last week,” Norton said Thursday, referring to the Raiders recovering a fumble and intercepting two passes in a 17-10 defeat of the Titans. “It’s not by accident. The entire group is working together.
“Khalil’s success is working out for the rest of the group. It’s making everybody else better. It’s freeing everybody else up for 1-on-1s and having a
chance for us to put pressure on the quarterback.”
Mack had 15 sacks last season and was considered one of the favorites for Defensive Player of the Year honors this season. He is off to a slow start, with only two quarterback hits — just like last year. Mack didn’t have a sack in either of his first two games in 2015, then had two in Cleveland in Week 3.
“He’s getting the quarterback off the spot,” Norton said. “Sacks are always a big thing for everybody to count, but at the same time, he’s affecting the quarterback.”
Mack and the Raiders (2-1) might get a break Sunday, as the Ravens (3-0) probably will be starting a new left side of the offensive line. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley (foot) and left guard Alex Lewis (concussion) missed their second straight day of practice Thursday, and there is a good chance head coach John Harbaugh has to plug in James Hurst and Ryan Jensen at those respective spots.
Hurst has started 13 games in two seasons for the Ravens but is best known in Baltimore as the man who got pushed back into Joe Flacco last season, resulting in a season-ending knee injury for the quarterback.
Though teams have been doubling Mack at times, and chip-blocking him with receivers and running backs, there also were times Sunday in Nashville when he was blocked by one tackle and kept at bay.
“It’s not about Khalil. It’s about us,” head coach Jack Del Rio said. “There’s more to playing football than getting sacks. It’s not about numbers. It’s about us making the plays we need to make to win games.”
And maybe teammates can start getting some sacks, too. The Raiders have only three this season, one each from linebacker Bruce Irvin, defensive tackle Stacy McGee and defensive end Denico Autry. And Aldon Smith (suspension) and Mario Edwards Jr. (hip) aren’t walking in the door anytime soon.
Mack is “like Aaron Donald from the Rams,” Del Rio said on his weekly SiriusXM Radio appearance. “A couple of dominant players that are getting an awful lot of attention. A couple of times this past game, he’s literally being tackled prior to hitting the quarterback. … His effort is great. Everything is great.” Injury updates: Reserve safety Nate Allen (quad) didn’t practice Thursday, after being limited on Wednesday. He joined tackles Menelik Watson (calf ) and Austin Howard (ankle) on the shelf, though Howard was seen moving a lot better. If Watson and Howard can’t go, rookie Vadal Alexander will make his first start at right tackle.