Las Vegas Raiders’ Defensive Coordinator, Patrick Graham, will be heading into his 2nd Year as the Defensive Play-Caller for the Silver & Black. The pressure has been hovering around the Defensive Coach since the final weeks of the 2022-23 season. With the additions of Graham’s choice (to an extent) from the 2023 Free-Agency and NFL Draft, the optimistic expectations for many are that Graham’s defense should have an elevated production for the upcoming football season. However, there are also many who are finding it difficult to understand the structure, concepts, and schematics of the Coordinator’s defense. To help those that need assistance to understand this defense, an analysis of formations, schemes utilized, and philosophical guidance within Patrick Graham’s defense will be presented.
Defensive Formations
Throughout Patrick Graham’s NFL career as a defensive coordinator, Graham would position the defensive players in “7-Front Rotation” alignments. These rotating alignments would be subjected into a “Hybrid Defense”. Defensive systems that are titled hybrids utilize both 3-4 and 4-3 formations (usually using both at the same amount of snaps or similar amount of snaps).
^(Disclaimer: Image can be used for all positions as a learning-guide)^
Defensive Linemen
When utilizing either 3-4 or 4-3 formations, Graham (like many coaches) positions the defensive linemen in multiple techniques.
^(Disclaimer: Image will be used not only for D-Linemen but other positions additionally)^
What many in Raider Nation do not know about Patrick Graham, is that he favors “Nose-Tackles” similarly to how a child would favor candy over vegetables. Nose-Tackles are Interior-Defensive Linemen who are stationed to face the Center and the inside shoulder of the Left/Right Guard. They are commonly found to be the biggest and strongest of the defensive side of the field. Techniques that these Tackles are placed in, are the 0-T and 1-T. 0-T’s are Tackles that are playing in 3-4 defenses, while 1-T’s are playing 4-3 defenses. 0-T’s purpose is to cause major disruptions through the center of the opposing Offensive Lines (A-Gaps), double (or even triple) teams to occur against the D-Tackles. 1-T’s are also meant to cause disruptions, however, usually on one side of the interiors (still A-Gaps). They are still meant to force double teams to be faced against them, but it doesn’t occur as often as 0-T’s.
A variant of these Nose Tackles would be spotted in a 2i-Technique. These tackles in Graham’s defense would be a NT/DT hybrid in 4-3 formations. How these hybrids are utilized is by being placed up front, face-first, against the Guards. What makes these tackles hybrids is how they are assigned to attack either the inside, or outside shoulders of the Guards (A and B-Gaps). This causes the Guards to stumble in quick decision making moments on where these tackles will rush. Another type of D-Tackle commonly found in 4-3 formations, are the 3-T’s. 3-T’s are the most common types of D-Tackles. Utilized as either pass-rushers, run-stoppers, or play as decoys for Defensive Ends/Edge Rushers. They are positioned on the outside shoulders of Guards (B-Gaps).
What would be known as “Defensive Ends” are placed in either a 4-i or 5-T Technique. Both Techniques are commonly found in 3-4 formations. Both are responsible for fighting through the O-Tackles and TEs (C-Gaps). 4-i’s, specifically, are also assigned to fight against the Guards as well (B and C-Gaps). They are not as common as many would think, built to be more slim and swift while meant to specifically chase the Quarterback. 5-T’s are meant to go 1v1 against O-Tackles while holding their ground against blocking TE’s.
Now the media’s most beloved Lineman on the defense, the “Edge Rushers”, are positioned as the 6-i, 7-T, and 9-T Techniqued Linemen. The differences between each of the three are much more noticeable than people like to believe. 7-T’s are the most common types of Edge Rushers, placed on the outside shoulder of the OT, attacking specifically the C-Gaps. Their main job is to cause pressure and stuff the runs, this is due to being the strongest of the Edge Rushers. 6-i and 9-T’s are usually meant to be Outside Linebackers, which will have a voice later on through the text.
Linebackers
Graham likes to also add a “Weak-Outside” Linebacker (also known as the “Will”) either on or off the line of scrimmage as a “Personnel-Package” to cause the illusion of a 4-3 formation. The reasoning on why it is an illusion is due to the Linebackers being labeled as either an optional blitz or coverage playmaker. Majority of the time these Linebackers would look to be positioned as a 9-Technique Defensive Linemen. This would be in order to misdirect the offensive playmakers and be quick enough to make a play against the pass or run (D-Gaps). These Linebackers would be deemed as the swiftest of the bunch.
Whenever an actual 4-3 formation is played (this is to cause an illusion of a 3-4 or it be a 3-4 blitzing formation), the “Strong-Outside” Outside Linebacker (also known as the “Sam”) would be set to chase the Quarterback. When placed on the line of scrimmage, the Linebacker would be positioned (majority of the time) as a 7-Technique Defensive Lineman to assist the Defensive End. Many of the Linebackers placed as a 7-Tech D-Lineman are utilized similarly as the Defensive End facing the Left Tackle (and possibly the Tight-End). Their job is to cause disruption on the line of scrimmage and close offensive gaps against running plays due to being the strongest Linebacker. They are, however, allowed to drop into coverage.
If an Outside Linebacker’s job is to only pass rush or give assistance to stop the run-game, they are what’s called a “Joker”. Joker’s are DE/OLB hybrids. Commonly used to cause confusion to the Quarterback on who is blitzing, rushing, or dropping into coverage. Joker’s would be heavily utilized in 3-4 formations to make the Quarterback decipher who the fourth pass-rusher is. Many Defensive Ends and Outside Linebackers convert into hybrids for the reasons of size, athleticism, or adaptability to specific rushing techniques. The types of techniques these hybrids would be positioned are the 6-i (C and D-Gaps), 7-T and 9-Ts (sometimes 5-Ts).
For Linebackers positioned mid-field, these Linebackers would need to obtain expert-like knowledge based on defensive coverage. Patrick Graham relies extremely on Interior Linebackers who can be playmakers against the passing-game. If there were no Linebackers who are able to cause trouble towards Receivers and Quarterbacks, then Graham’s defense would slowly collapse from under-throws and RPO plays.
The “Weak-Inside” Linebacker is a variant of the Will, named by some as the “Bandit”, “Buck” or “Jack” (variant of Jokers; usually placed on the Strong-Side). Reasoning for the many names is due to the positioning playstyle of these types of Linebackers. While being placed on the backside of the defensive line (usually in 3-4 formations), the Linebacker will be fighting through traffic. The reason why these particular Linebackers must fight through the supposed traffic, is due to being assigned to take on the first players advancing past the line of scrimmage, whether it be Receivers, Tight-ends, or Runningbacks (most of the plays they face either types of players would be in the passing-game). Sometimes, these Linebackers would be called to blitz and shoot through the B-Gaps.
A Linebacker that the American Football realm is most familiar with, the “Mike”, is utilized as the “Quarterback of the Defense”. Another name more commonly known would obviously be the Middle Linebacker. These Linebackers are always found in the middle of the defense whether it is a 3-4 or a 4-3 in Patrick Graham’s defense (sometimes they will be found though in the strong-side whenever it is a 3-4; they would also be called the “Jack” by some football minds). Mike’s are called the Quarterbacks of the defense for the reason that their job is nearly identical to their offensive counterpart. It is their duty to call out the formations and assignments for the defense. They also need to call out shifts in new formations or types of plays that the opposing offense will attempt during each snap on-field. During plays, the Mike will need to pick up the scraps left by the Defensive Linemen, stopping the Runningbacks, Tight-Ends, and possibly Receivers coming their way. During blitzing plays, the Mike would shoot through either the A or B-Gaps. Due to having this particular assignment as the defensive play-caller, these Linebackers are required to possess speed, strength, and adaptability within their mentality (similarly as the QB position).
Cornerbacks
Raider Nation would know how much Graham favors versatile and intelligent players. The secondary is where Graham fills nothing but pure versatility within. Having Outside Corners play as Slot Corners, having Slot-Corners be blitz-packages (usually through the B, C, or D-Gaps) or even Strong-Safeties. You could name it all, but Graham just loves versatility. On a positive perspective, this would allow major depth to be filled. This also causes opposing offenses to struggle. Drawing plays against a heavily versatile defense is not an easy feat for many. Graham does not favor size compared to intelligence and skill. If the player is smart and productive enough to go toe-to-toe against a 6-2 ; 200lbs+ Wide Receiver, there would be not a drastic need for huge Corners.
Safeties
Safeties are the last line of defense in any defense. Similar to Cornerbacks, Graham does not have a preference for the size of them. Just as long as their knowledge and skills can even the odds. Graham would not require many safeties due to using large amounts of LBs in coverage and even converting Safeties into LBs. These types of Safeties would be utilized for special plays. Usually for either blitzing (any gap), additional coverage, or goal-line situations. They are basically like a Interior Weak-Side Linebacker but can shift into a Safety role at any point Pre-Snap to Mid-Snap. The secondary responsibilities and purposes can be better explained when dissecting the schemes utilized by the Raiders’ Defensive Coordinator.
Schematics Utilized
When it comes to the types of Defensive Schemes Patrick Graham assigns to his defense, it would be another variety of how he utilizes his Hybrid Defense, employing both Zone and Man Coverages. What will be discussed are the primary coverages and assignments Graham likes to favorably design. Now a disclaimer for what will be discussed, is that these types of plays will mainly be based on what has been seen or researched in the 2022-23 season (this is due to show later on how Graham has grown through his career as a NFL play-caller and play-designer).
(Note: Images presented are basic designs, not the actual plays)
Cover-0 and Cover-1 (Man Coverage)
Cover-0 in Graham’s defense is a Press-Man; Zero-Blitz; 4-3 formatted type of scheme. This play is only called during Do-or-Die moments, particularly 20+ Yard Conversions or Touchdown-or-Not plays. Every defender has an assignment that can cause the whole play to collapse if one player makes even the smallest mistake. The Corners have the shake down the Outside-Receivers while the Safeties have to keep watch on what moves the Slot and TE’s will commit (this is so the Safeties do not get burned during the play, instead they gain momentum during a slow to fast pace charge in order to jump and either shutdown a route or make a play). The Linebackers would also be given coverage roles with the backs on route for receiving, if not, then any non-coverage assigned Linebackers will blitz the QB to force them to run.
Cover-1 in Graham’s defense is also Press-Man Coverage, utilized mostly in 4-3 formations. These plays have been called during late-downs whenever Graham decides that the defense should either shake up the offensive playmakers, or rotate the defenders from a 3-4; Cover-2 to a 4-3; Cover-1 for either blitzes or predicting that the offensive speedsters will be utilized. That is one of the purposes of the Free-Safety left alone up-field. They are to navigate how the play is transpiring whether it favors the offense or defense. If a speedster is rushing through, or a Runningback has broken through the line of scrimmage and beat the LBs, then the Free-Safety must assign themselves to stop them. Strong-Safeties are in a similar situation as Free-Safeties depending how the offense’s are formatted. The Strong-Safeties can be a blitzing option, run-supporter, or use themselves in double coverage against TEs or Receivers.
Cover-2 (Man and Zone Coverage)
Cover-2 is where Graham gets more versatile in his play-calling. Graham has his Cover-2 be played in both Man and Zone Coverages. For Man Coverages (since that has been the recently spoken type of coverage), Graham prefers to run a Cover-2 Split-Safety. This type of scheme would be formatted within a 3-4 and 4-3 on certain occasions. Graham would utilize a 4-3 if it is a late-down play while the 3-4 would be meant to stuff early runs or challenge early-down passes. Whatever is called, the Safeties would have one Safety in deep-field while the Strong-Safety is closer to the box (but still back-field). This provides a blanket for the defense to not be beaten by underneath passes against TEs, RBs, and Slot-Receivers (that is if the Slot-Corner is beaten). There will be times where Graham calls a Cover-2 High-Safety (mostly in Zone Coverages), where both Safeties play deep-field to prevent any Offense to attempt deep-passes.
Cover-2 Zone Coverage is utilized multiple ways by Patrick Graham. It can be deployed as an illusion play, optional-blitzes, and disguised formations. Graham’s Cover-2 can be disguised as a Cover-4 where four defenders are in the back-field, however, they will rotate (or push-up) either Pre-Snap or Mid-Snap to cause confusion upon opposing offenses (that would be called a Cover-2 Read; keep reading for explanation). Graham would prefer his Cover-2 Zone Coverage to be used as an early-down; 3-4 formatted play. This would give the defense time in the first half to identify the offensive schemes, formations, and play-calls. After that, the defense can adapt and illusion the 3-4 as a 4-3 in both Zone and Man Coverages to add blitzes or optional coverage LBs. This would be Patrick Graham’s specialty during his time with the New York Giants (2020-22).
Cover-3 (Zone Coverage)
Cover-3 is a mix of a Zone and Man Coverage for Graham. Preferably a 4-3 formation, Graham would run what is called a “Matchup-Zone”. It is still Zone Coverage, however, it is played out after the post-snap as Man Coverage. The Coverage Linebackers would challenge the TE and Backs, the Strong-Safety would provide support in covering the TE, the Corners would read the field before matching up against Receivers and the FS reads the entire field to decide where the play will transpire and be required to be shutdowned. Now, another thing to note is that Graham likes to make a Safety-Spin in a Cover-3. How this works is that whenever three Safeties are positioned on-field, one would be placed in the LB-Box while the FS would be placed deep-field while the Strong-Safety is able to spread from the left to right side of the field (wherever the SS is, the FS would be on the opposite side). The Boxed-Safety would be used to either help the interior LBs cover or send themselves straight through the lines to stop the RB or sack the QB.
If you have made it this far, hopefully this has assisted you in better understanding how Patrick Graham’s defense works. As the 2023-24 NFL season will be approaching soon, the main goal this summer will be to educate and help those that want to obtain more football knowledge (specifically the Raiders). With how the Raider Nation is now, arguments, fights, and narratives pushed everywhere, the best we (The Writers Room) can do for the Nation is push what the facts and discussion are with no narratives or malicious strings attached. Hopefully, one day, that’s like that for each individual within the Nation.
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