Coaches Norton, Pagano stress communication
There is no confusion about who’s calling the shots for the Raiders’ defense. And no, we’re not talking about head coach Jack Del Rio.
Defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. cleared up things after Tuesday’s offseason workout, minutes before new assistant head coach and former Chargers defensive coordinator John Pagano took his turn at the podium.
“Nothing changes for me,” Norton said. “Obviously, Pagano is a guy that has a lot of experience. We all have a lot of experience. … Obviously, right now his role is to help us on the back end with our communication.”
The Raiders’ defense ranked 26th in the NFL last season. And though it did make some big fourth-quarter stops for a 12-4 team, it still finished last in the league in sacks despite having the Defensive Player of the Year in defensive end Khalil Mack.
Oakland also had issues keeping receivers in front of its defensive backs. The 38 passing plays of 25 yards or more that it allowed were the most in the league, and defensive backs coach Marcus Robertson was fired.
Norton, in his third season, was a little defensive when discussing last season and Pagano’s role.
Pagano will “make sure we stay on top,” Norton said, “and that we’re all talking about the same things every week, about them throwing the ball deep on us. That seems like all we want to talk about, so let’s make sure with his addition and his experience, let’s put that fire out.”
Norton likes to look ahead, and won’t go into details about the previous game’s mistakes, let alone the previous season’s.
The Raiders just have to “communicate better,” he said. “Understand that last year is last year. This is a whole new year. We’ve learned from our weaknesses and our mistakes. The guys are learning, playing really hard and are ready to start all over.”
And now they can learn from a new perspective and voice. Pagano was with the Chargers for 15 years, the last five as defensive coordinator, and said he will also work with Oakland’s linebackers.
“Communication is key to all success,” Pagano said. “I think the biggest thing is making sure that everybody is saying the same thing. That starts with us as coaches. Then you just keep working on those things. Every day we strive for two goals, I know they talk about it in the back end, let’s have great communication, how we’re speaking to one another, and two, let’s not let the ball go over our heads.”
As for the communication among Del Rio and Norton and Pagano, the new man said it has been great. Pagano hasn’t been concerned about stepping on Norton’s toes.
“No, there’s no stepping on anyone’s toes,” Pagano said. “I have a job to do and coach Del Rio told me what I needed to do and the first thing was to improve our overall communication as a defense.
“As long as we’re saying the same things and we’re doing the correct things, you get 11 guys out there hunting on the field. That’s what it’s all about.”
Briefly: Norton has been impressed with the Raiders’ first two draft picks this year, cornerback Gareon Conley and safety Obi Melifonwu. “Glad they’re on our team,” he said. “Long, fast, they love ball. They love practicing. They chase well . ... They’re very good learners.” … Thirdround pick Eddie Vanderdoes has had to miss the recent workouts because of UCLA’s academic schedule, but Norton said the defensive tackle will be just fine. “UCLA is the Ivy League of the West,” the fellow Bruin said. “So, he’s really smart. I’m sure he has the playbook right now and he probably is right up with everybody.”