Programming note: Watch Raiders Press Conference Live today at 3pm on CSN California, and streaming live right here.

OAKLAND –The Raiders have had a tough time finding a partner for Malcolm Smith in sub packages. Ray-Ray Armstrong was first in line, playing with the first unit throughout training camp and the offseason program. He lasted one game of the regular season, when he struggled mightily as a tackler and cover man against the Cincinnati Bengals.

They looked to starting middle linebacker Curtis Lofton, but the run stuffer and strong interior presence had a tough time tracking tight ends and receivers. After three games, the Raiders turned to a rookie.

Neiron Ball subbed in during passing downs and fared surprising well considering the fifth-round pick’s lack of experience. The 6-foot-3, 235-pound athlete moves around well, and fits the team’s scheme, which prefers fast linebackers who can cover from sideline to sideline.

While Lofton remains a starter and key contributor, Ball played more snaps with Denver regularly in three-receiver sets. Ball played 36 defensive snaps, after playing just eight combined in previous weeks.

Ball had two tackles, and didn’t allow a reception in coverage. His receiver was targeted twice in 22 snaps defending the pass. The Raiders fared better against tight ends, preventing Owen Daniels from making a catch in five targets.

Second-round pick Mario Edwards Jr.’s snap count went up with Denico Autry out with concussion-like symptoms. He played well in 50 snaps, with four tackles, a sack, a quarterback pressure. He also fits in well as an end in the team’s relatively new 3-4 style of defensive alignment.

TJ Carrie played nearly every snap despite dealing with a chest injury, and Charles Woodson played 50 snaps with a painful shoulder injury.

[BAIR: Raiders' Woodson focused on wins, not 'shiny toys']

The Raiders coaching staff has shown a willingness to adjust when things don’t work, which has helped this unit improve and evolve as the year has moved on. That has been reflected in snap counts.

Let’s take a comprehensive look at Raiders playing time on offense, defense and special teams:

OFFENSE

70 – OT Donald Penn, OG J’Marcus Webb, OT Austin Howard, OG Gabe Jackson, C Rodney Hudson, QB Derek Carr

64 – WR Amari Cooper

50 – WR Michael Crabtree

37 – TE Lee Smith

29 – WR Seth Roberts

28 – RB Latavius Murray

27 – RB Roy Helu

26 – TE Clive Walford

23 – TE Mychal Rivera

22 – FB Marcel Reece

15 – FB Jamize Olawale, OT Khalif Barnes

14 – WR Andre Holmes

DEFENSE

58 – CB DJ Hayden, CB David Amerson, LB Malcolm Smith

56 – S TJ Carrie

51 – LB Aldon Smith

50 – S Charles Woodson, DE Mario Edwards Jr.

48 – LB Khalil Mack

37 – DE Justin Tuck

36 – LB Neiron Ball

26 – CB Neiko Thorpe

24 – DT Stacy McGee

22 – LB Curtis Lofton, DT Dan Williams

15 – DT C.J. Wilson

11 – DL Benson Mayowa

10 – S Larry Asante

6 – LB Ray-Ray Armstrong

SPECIAL TEAMS

22 – Lorenzo Alexander

17 – Jamize Olawale, Keith McGill, Ben Heeney

16 – Keenan Lambert

15 – Andre Holmes

12 – Marcel Reece, Neiko Thorpe

10 – Roy Helu

9 – Lee Smith, Neiron Ball, Tony Bergstrom

8 – Ray-Ray Armstrong, Marquette King, Jon Condo

7 -- Sebastian Janikowski

6 – Benson Mayowa, Larry Asante

5 – DJ Hayden, David Amerson, TJ Carrie, Khalil Mack, Stacy McGee, Curtis Lofton, Dan Williams, C.J. Wilson

4 – Donald Penn, J’Marcus Webb, Austin Howard, Gabe Jackson, Amari Cooper , Mychal Rivera, Khalif Barnes, Justin Tuck

1 – Aldon Smith