The Raiders announced Sunday night that they have fired defensive coordinator Paul Guenther following their 44-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
Defensive line coach Rod Marinelli will serve as the interim defensive coordinator for the final three games of the 2020 NFL season, Las Vegas announced.
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The Raiders put a lot of resources into improving the defense last offseason, but it hasn't paid off this season. While the team is 7-6 and fighting for a AFC playoff spot, they are giving up points in bunches.
Over the last four games, the Raiders have allowed 150 points, managing to win just one game during that span -- last week's miracle last-second victory over the New York Jets.
The Raiders entered Sunday's home game against the Colts having allowed 4,538 total yards this season, 11th most in the NFL. Indianapolis proceeded to gain 456 total yards in their win, including 244 yards on the ground. The Jets ran for 206 yards last week.
After Sunday's loss, head coach Jon Gruden vented about the performance of the defense.
Quarterback Derek Carr, in his seventh season with the Raiders, refused to throw Guenther or the defense under the bus after the game.
This is the second straight week a defensive coordinator has lost his job after a Raiders game. Last Monday, the Jets fired Gregg Williams after he called a Cover Zero coverage that allowed Henry Ruggs to get beyond the cornerback with no help. Carr hit the rookie in stride for the game-winning touchdown with five seconds left in regulation.
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As for Las Vegas, Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock will have to go back to the drawing board after the season. The Raiders' offense is in good shape with Carr, Ruggs, Josh Jacobs and Darren Waller anchoring the unit. But the defense clearly needs more work, and it will start by hiring a worthy coordinator.