Raiders focus on takeaways as preseason opens against Cardinals
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 17, 2026, 9:45 PM
Last updated Aug 17, 2026
In their preseason opener on August 10, the Las Vegas Raiders lost 27-14 to the Arizona Cardinals, highlighting defensive challenges. Defensive coordinator Rob Leonard aims to improve the team's takeaway performance, which ranked 23rd last season with 16 turnovers. Historically, the Raiders have struggled, posting only 79 takeaways from 2021 to 2025. Key players such as Maxx Crosby, Isaiah Pola-Mao, and newcomers like Nakobe Dean are expected to be pivotal in generating turnovers for the upcoming season.
- •Raiders lost 27-14 to the Cardinals on August 10.
- •Las Vegas had 16 takeaways last season, ranking 23rd in the NFL.
- •Maxx Crosby and Isaiah Pola-Mao are expected to lead in takeaways.
- •The team ranks 31st in takeaways over the last five seasons.
- •Rob Leonard's focus is on improving defensive strategy this season.
- 9:45 PMYahoo Sports — The candidates who’ll lead the Raiders in takeaways this season
"Attacking defense gives Maxx Crosby, Quay Walker, Nakobe dean opportunity to cause, create much-needed turnovers
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