The Las Vegas Raiders' defensive line is leading the NFL in a surprising statistical category: pass breakups. Following Week 11 of the 2023 NFL season, the Raiders boast the most pass breakups among all defensive lines, a statistic highlighted by the team’s public relations department on social media.

The unusual lead stems from a combination of factors, including consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks and opportunistic defensive linemen disrupting passing lanes. One example occurred during the Raiders' recent game, where defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV deflected a pass attempt by Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. That batted-down pass contributed to the team's impressive total.

While the stat itself might seem somewhat unconventional, it underscores the Raiders' defensive line's effectiveness in impacting opposing offenses. Pass breakups, while not a traditional measure of defensive dominance, demonstrate a unit's ability to disrupt plays and create turnovers. The Raiders’ defensive line has consistently applied pressure throughout the season, leading to numerous instances where defenders are able to get their hands on the ball and prevent completions.

The Raiders’ PR team’s social media post drew attention to the unexpected nature of the statistic, acknowledging its relative lack of common usage in evaluating defensive performance. However, it also serves as a testament to the effort and impact of the Raiders’ defensive front.