Raiders News; Jon Gruden loves Rod Marinelli

Jon Gruden believes that new defensive line coach Rod Marinelli will have a big impact on overall defense this season.

When asked about the improvement the team needs to make during a conference call with members of the media on Thursday, Gruden quickly referenced Marinelli.

“Well first, we better remove the penalties. Our place in this league in defensive penalties is a reflection of me. And we’re going to fix it, and I think Rod Marinelli will be a big part of that, “Gruden said. “Staying aside, some of those sanctions were ridiculous and had to be resolved. We cannot be 31st in the league to generate turnovers to be a good soccer team in the league. We have to get more turnovers and start with the pressure up front. But I think we have a chance to be much, much better. “

Gruden’s eulogy for Marinelli helps explain a drastic move he made in January. After Marinelli and the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff were fired, Gruden, out of nowhere, fired defensive line coach Brentson Buckner and replaced him with Marinelli. Buckner did a good job last season with the Raiders – the only reason Gruden made the move was because he had to jump to add Marinelli.

Marinelli was Gruden’s defensive line coach and assistant head coach at Tampa Bay from 2002-05. The 71-year-old has been considered one of the best defensive line coaches in the NFL for several years.

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Gruden is eager to see the impact Marinelli has on a line that features several young players, including 2019 draft picks Clelin Ferrell and Maxx Crosby, and the addition of free agent Maliek Collins (who was in Dallas with Marinelli).

Gruden said Collins has to “lift hell” from his defensive tackle spot.

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Young teammates, 2018 draft picks Maurice Hurst, PJ Hall, and Arden Key all must step under Marinelli. It would be a big surprise if Hurst’s list post is in jeopardy. But both Hall and Key have to show the Raiders something next month if they want to be on the team.

“They have to show that they belong to this league. They have to show that they can be front-line men, ”Gruden said. “PJ Hall, Hurst, Key, those are three guys where we use top picks. Arden has to stay healthy, PJ Hall, I can’t wait to see where his weight is, he was overweight last year, not in that position, it can’t happen. Mo Hurst has had some good times, but we need these guys to break into the scene, for sure. Getting Rod Marinelli is the best I can do to allow that to happen.

“I really think he’s a coach as good as the one I’ve seen when it comes to developing a defensive line.” I saw him do it with Simeon Rice, I saw him do it with various players throughout his career and I’m counting on that to happen. ”