The Oakland Raiders are moving forward with training camp even without the presence of defensive superstar and leader Khalil Mack. But with Mack missing, another veteran Raiders EDGE defender has taken on the role of leading the defense: Bruce Irvin.
“He’s had a tremendous camp so far,” defensive coordinator Paul Guenther said referring to Irvin, per Matt Schneidman of the East Bay Times. ” … He’s been a tremendous leader for us. I’m glad to have him on my side.”
Irvin admits that he'd likely be doing the same even if Mack were present. He also says the goal is to get the others on the defense ready so that they’ll be able to perform when Mack comes out of games during the season.
“If Khalil was here, we’d be leading the same way,” Irvin said. “We can’t worry about who isn’t here. Khalil gets tired, so when Khalil goes out of the game, the guys here have to go in the game and play while he’s tired. He rarely gets tired, but when he does those guys have to be ready. We’re trying to focus on getting these young guys ready. Those things will take care of themselves.”
It’s certainly promising to hear Irvin taking on the leadership responsibility with Mack gone. After some character issues during his youth, the 30-year-old has matured into a reliable veteran presence in Oakland on and off the field.
Given the Raiders’ lack of established pass rushers, Irvin will also have a big part to play opposite Mack in terms of putting pressure on the quarterback. Hopefully for the Raiders, Mack will be back to once again form one of the more formidable pass rushing duos with Irving this year.
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