Brief

Raiders defense leads league in takeaways as season opens 3‑0

Rob Leonard's Raiders have forced nine turnovers in three games, the most in the league, while posting an NFL‑best +5 turnover differential.

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 02 Oct 2026 11:04:22 GMT

Rob Leonard’s Raiders defense has forced nine takeaways in the first three games of the 2026 NFL season, the most of any team, according to the New York Post. The unit also ranks tied for fourth with ten sacks and sits 11th overall in total defense, allowing 316.7 yards per game while conceding the seventh‑fewest points at 18 per game.

What happened

Through three contests the Raiders have compiled an NFL‑best plus‑five turnover differential. They recorded four forced turnovers in the second half of a comeback win over the New Orleans Saints on Sept. 28, turning an 11‑point deficit into a 35‑27 victory. The defense also recovered a fumble by cornerback Eric Stokes in the fourth quarter of that game. Overall, the Raiders have forced nine takeaways and recorded ten sacks.

What the reports add

The article notes that the Raiders rank 11th in total defense but are allowing only 18 points per game, an improvement from 25.4 points per game last season. It also highlights that the team’s turnover total of nine is already more than halfway to the 16 takeaways they recorded in 2025, with 14 games remaining.

What was said

Maxx Crosby is quoted saying, “It starts with Robbie. He trusts us as a group. We emphasize every day in the building about taking the ball away. We continue to do that. I think we had four in the second half. You continue to do that and you have a lot better chance of winning.” The quote is attributed to the New York Post.

How it came about

Leonard is a first‑time NFL defensive coordinator. He began his NFL career with the New York Giants in 2013, spent three seasons on Brian Flores’ staff in Miami, and coached Baltimore’s outside linebackers under Mike Macdonald in 2022 before joining the Raiders in 2023.

Key facts

• Raiders have forced nine takeaways in the first three games, the most in the NFL. (nypost.com)
• The defense ranks tied for fourth with ten sacks. (nypost.com)
• Raiders allow 316.7 yards per game and 18 points per game. (nypost.com)
• Rob Leonard is a first‑time NFL defensive coordinator, hired by the Raiders in 2023. (nypost.com)

Sources

• [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Raiders defense having ball —literally — at outset of NFL season”