| Raiders CB Michael Huff and the Oakland secondary had three interceptions of Atlanta QB Matt Ryan on Sunday after going the first four games with none. (US Presswire) |
After going the first four games without an interception, the Raiders' defense picked off three Matt Ryan passes Sunday in a 23-20 loss to Atlanta.
Regular free safety Michael Huff, who made his third career start at left cornerback, nickel corner Joselio Hanson and strong safety Tyvon Branch each had one pick.
"I think we're just getting more and more comfortable with the defense and just actually playing now," Huff said. "I think before we were kind of thinking too much, trying to be perfect in certain defenses, things like that. Because when we went back and watched the film, it wasn't perfect -- what we did on the plays when we had the picks. But people were just in the right place and just making plays. That's kind of when they come."
Huff said the defensive backs "played a lot faster" against Atlanta than in previous games. He said that was the result of the DBs spending more time together in meetings.
"We were meeting a lot before, but we just kind of stepped it up .. just so everybody's on the same page and we can play faster and play smarter and just be more aggressive," Huff said.
Injuries to starting cornerbacks Ron Bartell and Shawntae Spencer in the first two games forced the Raiders to shuffle their secondary. Huff moved from free safety to left corner, backup Pat Lee took over at right corner, and reserve Matt Giordano replaced Huff at free safety.
Raiders coach Dennis Allen praised the play of the entire secondary against Atlanta and said Huff had his best game as a cornerback.
"It was big for the confidence of the group," Allen said. "Our secondary, they're beginning to learn how to play together. Some of the moving parts are kind of settling in a little more. Michael Huff had his best game as a corner. He's getting more comfortable out there at that position. That's probably as good a group of wide receivers as we'll have to play this year, so for him to go out and play the way that he did in that game was really a positive sign."
Huff said he "definitely" played his best game as a cornerback Sunday.
"Going back and watching film, I watched myself," Huff said. "The first few games at corner, I don't think it was me. Watching the film from yesterday, I think I was more myself. I was just out there playing football, trusting my instincts, trusting what I've seen on film and just making plays and trying to find the ball."
Carter makes his debut: Defensive end Andre Carter played 24 snaps and had one tackle in his Raiders' debut against Atlanta. It was his first game since Dec. 18, when he tore a quadriceps muscle against Denver while playing for New England.
"My body feels good," Carter said. "It was fun. I was just living in the moment and just took advantage of each play. It was a stepping stone. I was just very happy to be back. Did some good things and did some things I've got to learn from. Unfortunately, I didn't have the preseason to perfect my technique. Just the little things, really nitpicking, as far as what I need to do, what I need to work on. Just kind of going from there and play fast.
Allen said Carter "did some good things" but showed some rust.
"So every day that he gets an opportunity to get out there and practice and every game that he gets a chance to get out there, he'll get better and better," Allen said. "But his presence, his veteran leadership, is good for our team."
Curry update: Allen said he expects linebacker Aaron Curry (knees) to come off the PUP list and "fully participate in practice" Wednesday. Once Curry practices, the Raiders will have a 21-day window to activate him, waive him or place him on injured reserve.
Curry has spent most of his career as an outside linebacker, but Allen said Curry has prepared himself to play all three linebacker spots -- weak-side, strong-side and middle.
"We're going to get him out there and let him run around and see where he's at and begin the evaluation process to figure out if and when he's going to be available to be on the roster."
Upset alert: Allen said he doesn't believe in moral victories, but he was encouraged by his team's performance against Atlanta, nearly handing the Falcons their first loss.
"I think our guys went and competed hard against a good football team in a hostile environment," Allen said. "I think we proved we're capable of playing with the best teams in this league. Now, what we've got to learn how to do is ... how to finish and win those types of games. That's what our job is. This is a production business. It's about winning and losing, and we weren't able to get it done yesterday."
Brisiel update: Starting right guard Mike Brisiel left Sunday's game with a concussion and underwent tests Monday at team headquarters, Allen said.
Follow Raiders reporter Eric Gilmore on Twitter @CBSRaiders.