In what some might call a breakout performance, Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson continues to make headlines. Most recently, Marcus Mosher of Pro Football Focus listed Robertson as one of this week’s most surprising performances.
Maybe “breakout” is a bit of a stretch considering it was only one game. The fact is, though, Robertson has made the most of his current opportunity. With Anthony Averett out, Robertson was thrust into the starting lineup this season. As Mosher points out, in making his third career start, Robertson dominated in the slot. He allowed just 45 receiving yards after being targeted six times on Sunday by Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray. This most recent outing now has the Raiders corner trending upward.
Meet the new Raiders slot defender: Amik Robertson
Thought to have been buried in the depth chart after Averett, Nate Hobbs, and Rock Ya-Sin, it now appears Robertson is finally thriving. Some fans had moved on from Robertson after being on the end of a few highlight catches by opposing wide receivers. Nevertheless, when opportunity knocks, you either take it or you don’t. Robertson suddenly found himself with the chance to show his skills. As Mosher put it, “Robertson’s ball skills and toughness make him the prototypical slot cornerback in the NFL, and it would seem wise for defensive coordinator Patrick Graham to keep him on the field with Nate Hobbs going forward.” As Pro Football Culture points out in the Tweet below, Robertson was flying all over the field, making key stops on passing downs.
Amik Robertson first down passing stop #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/XZhCDhJ2Kw
— Pro Football Culture (@proftblculture) September 18, 2022
Earning a coverage grade of 89.3 for his Week 2 performance is praiseworthy. He recorded four solo tackles as well, off of 74 defensive snaps. You can tack on a pass deflection and, of course, the interception heard around the world. Robertson picked off Murray in the second quarter, halting a Cardinals’ drive poised for a score. With Averett not coming back anytime soon, Patrick Graham is going to continue relying on the third-year man. It must be quite refreshing for Raiders fans to see a defensive coordinator that’s trying to maximize the players he has, putting them in the best possible situation to succeed.
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*Top Photo: Willow Manor
