Las Vegas Raiders’ Defense Gets a Boost with Paul Guenther’s Return
In a surprising move, former Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Paul Guenther is making a comeback after two seasons away from the NFL. Guenther, who was heavily criticized during his tenure with the Raiders, has been hired as the run game coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys. This reunion with new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer comes as no surprise, as the two have a long history together. Guenther previously worked under Zimmer in Cincinnati and Minnesota.
During his time with the Raiders, Guenther’s defense consistently ranked among the worst in the league. However, with the guidance of Zimmer, known for his defensive expertise, Guenther has the opportunity to turn things around and potentially work his way back up to a defensive coordinator position. The Cowboys are hoping that Guenther’s return will provide a much-needed boost to their defense.
Meanwhile, the Raiders have found success with their current defensive coordinator, Patrick Graham. Under Graham’s leadership, the team finished ninth in points allowed per game during the 2023 season, their best performance since 2002. This accomplishment has garnered Graham attention from other teams, as he has received head coaching interviews this offseason. While the Raiders are thrilled to have Graham back for another season, they understand that his success may lead to other opportunities.
Defensive end Maxx Crosby expressed his excitement about Graham’s return, stating that it is a huge asset for the team. Crosby recognizes Graham’s potential and believes that if he can lead the Raiders to another top-10 defense, it will be difficult for other teams to ignore his talent. While the Raiders would love to keep Graham on their staff, they understand that they cannot prevent him from pursuing a promotion.
As the 2023 season approaches, both Guenther and Graham have a lot at stake. Guenther aims to prove himself after a disappointing tenure with the Raiders, while Graham hopes to continue his success and potentially secure a head coaching position in the future. Only time will tell if these coaches can make a significant impact on their respective teams’ defenses.
According to the Source heavy.com