Oakland Raiders DL Richard Seymour Sees More Disciplined Defense in 2012

Oakland Raiders defensive lineman Richard Seymour believes that the defense will be more disciplined this season. The addition of defensive minded coach Dennis Allen and general manager Reggie McKenzie are emphasizing cohesion and execution to the players that will translate to games.

“Well, it’s obviously a good thing, but if you mess up, they know exactly what you did wrong as well,” Seymour said during mandatory mini-camp. “So I think for us, we’re just laying the foundation at this point. Everyone is trying to learn exactly what it is they want implemented and everyone being on the same page. I think they are letting us know now everyone has to know what to do and you have to execute under pressure. I think that’s one thing that they’re building and obviously as a veteran that you’re trying to filter down through the team as well. So I definitely think we’re headed in the right direction.”

Last season the Raiders broke the NFL record for most penalties in a season with 163 resulting in 1,358 yards. The three time Super Bowl winning Seymour knows what it takes to minimize the mistakes that result in penalties.

“Just developing practice habits,” Seymour said. “I think that’s one thing we’re trying to do at this point now. Coming in day in and day out, practicing our craft, working on it, fine-tuning it. I think Raider Nation has a lot to be excited about. We’re looking forward to doing big things this year. Like I said, it all starts here on the practice field.”

With his championship pedigree and veteran status, Seymour will need to lead by example for the young Raider defense. Last season the defensive end recorded six sacks in 15 starts, but has had his share of personal fouls in his time with the Raiders.

“We are definitely going to be disciplined for sure,” Seymour said. “We don’t want to lead the league in penalties or anything like that, but we definitely want to be aggressive. Not trying to take any of our aggressiveness away, but also just playing smart football. I think that’s one thing that since I came here, as a defensive lineman, you think of tough, physical, aggressive style defenses and we are definitely going to keep that, but take the penalties and things that aren’t helping us win, taking those off the field.”

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