There were a number of players who had their best performance of the season in Week 15 against the Chargers. That includes Zamir White, Aidan O’Connell, Jack Jones, and John Jenkins.
Malcolm Koonce is another player who had a big game, recording three tackles for a loss, three QB hits, two sacks and countless pressures. It was his best game of the season, but this isn’t anything new for Koonce. He’s been really solid over the last month as his breakout season continues:
Raiders ED Malcolm Koonce continues his third-year breakout. Since Week 10:
– 4+ QB pressures in all five games
– 17.8% pressure rate (10th among edge rushers)
– 90.7 pass rush grade (4th)
– 3 sacks (forced fumble), 5 QB hits— Brad Spielberger, Esq. (@PFF_Brad) December 15, 2023
In the first two years of Koonce’s career, he recorded a combined two sacks and two QB gits. But in 2023, he’s already tallied 12 QB hits and four sacks. He’s become a consistent pass rusher opposite of Maxx Crosby and one of the building blocks on defense.
If Tyree Wilson can continue to develop as an inside-outside pass rusher, the Raiders will have a pretty stout defensive line moving forward. The development of Koonce this season has been one of the best stories for the Raiders this season.
