Raiders Defense Faces Criticism Following Losing Streak
The team prepares to face the New York Jets next week as questions mount regarding defensive coaching.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Football
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Following four consecutive losses, Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Quay Walker has publicly criticized the defense for a lack of intensity. The team that began the season with a 3-0 record has struggled significantly, allowing at least 30 points in every game over the past month.
Why it matters
The Raiders' defensive collapse threatens the team's playoff trajectory after an optimistic start to the 2026 season. With the unit failing to secure tackles or win individual matchups, pressure is mounting on defensive coordinator Rob Leonard to correct the team's defensive errors.
The Raiders defense has surrendered at least 30 points in four straight games, including 35 points in the loss to the Los Angeles Rams. This performance stands in sharp contrast to the club's 3-0 start to the 2026 season.
The players
Quay Walker
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker who publicly addressed the defense's recent performance issues.
Rob Leonard
Defensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders whose position is at risk due to recent performance.
The details
Walker cited preventable errors, penalties, and a failure to execute basic blocking and tackling as the primary drivers of the recent losses. Defensive coordinator Rob Leonard is now under direct scrutiny, with reports indicating he will be replaced if defensive performance does not show immediate improvement. The team turns its attention to preparing for next week's game against the New York Jets.
Timeline
The Raiders finished the 2025 season as the lowest-ranked team in the NFL.
The team began the 2026 season with a 3-0 record.
The defense has allowed 30+ points per game over the last month.
The Raiders play the New York Jets next week.
Beyond the Strip
The Raiders are fighting to avoid a repeat of the 2025 season, when they finished as the lowest-ranked team in the NFL. This current defensive slide marks a sharp departure from the league-leading turnover production the team demonstrated during the first three weeks of this year.
Fans attending next week's game against the New York Jets will be looking for improved defensive execution and fewer penalties. Any changes to the coaching staff or defensive strategy will likely be finalized before the team takes the field for that matchup.
The takeaway
The Raiders' ability to stop the current losing streak rests on fixing the fundamental execution errors noted by the players. Residents should watch for any personnel announcements regarding the defensive coaching staff prior to the game against the New York Jets.
Further reading
For more updates on the roster and coaching staff, check our Football coverage.
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Would you attend a game for your local NFL team given their current performance struggles?
