Las Vegas Raiders always had the solution to their biggest problem on defense right in front of their face

When the season kicked off, and the Las Vegas Raiders placed Malcolm Koonce on the IR, it was evident they needed some more depth. Then Tyree Wilson was hurt against the Los Angeles Chargers, and media and fans immediately clamored for the idea of the team signing a big-name free agent like Yannick Ngakoue, who hasn't been good for some time.

Yes, the Raiders needed to find depth, especially as soon as Maxx Crosby popped up on the injury report, too. They signed K'Lavon Chaisson , and he played a decent amount of snaps against the Cleveland Browns and even had some big tackles. But, that's the guy that people were looking to take Wilson's spot before Crosby went down.

Of course, Wilson came back and now Crosby is down, and the defensive line is stepping up everywhere. But, Chaisson was never going to take Charles Snowden's spot. The solution to their issue on defense, the depth on the defensive end spot, was right in front of their eyes.

Snowden had a huge game, a Maxx Crosby-type of game. And, Antonio Pierce couldn't be more proud.

"Man, it's interesting how certain guys' careers work," Antonio Pierce said after the 20-16 win over the Browns. "He got drafted, practice squad, journeyman... injuries happen and he gets pulled up and we ask him to do a lot. More importantly, his effort. He did everything he could."

Snowden had the game-sealing sack on Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. He had another tackle for loss and three total quarterback hits. The Raiders needed players to step up with their two best players out.

They really needed guys to step up on the defensive line, and they got that with Adam Butler, Snowden, and Tyree Wilson, who had some great pass-rush moves. They may very well need that against the Denver Broncos again, an offensive line that is struggling this year in terms of blocking and discipline.

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