Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Maurice Hurst Jr. put on an excellent performance despite the team’s struggles. The youngster was a positive footnote in an otherwise forgetful game for the Silver and Black.
Hurst Shines Despite Abysmal Raiders Performance
Ending the game against the New York Jets with one tackle for a loss, Hurst was probably the sole ray of sunshine on the Raiders. According to Pro Football Focus, Hurst had a 80.1 overall grade, making him the highest graded player for the Oakland in Week 12.
Maurice Hurst was the #Raiders highest graded player in Week 12 with an 80.1 overall grade!
He had 70+ grades in run defense as well as pass rushing 💪
His 3 QB pressures on 21 pass rushing snaps also led the team 🔥#RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/ttfzJ5ghTo
— PFF Las Vegas Raiders (@PFF_Raiders) November 25, 2019
The three quarterback pressures he had also led the team in a game muddled with terrible officiating. Hurst was foolishly called for roughing the passer in arguably one of the worst calls by a ref this season. The sophomore literally had just joined Maxx Crosby in sacking Jets quarterback Sam Darnold and was called for the penalty. To say it left everyone in disbelief would be an understatement.
Despite the phantom call, Hurst has had some excellent individual performances this season. Against the Chicago Bears, he notched two sacks and two solo tackles. Before that, he had four tackles and one pass deflection against the Minnesota Vikings. It would seem like the second-year tackle figures to be a key part of this young defensive line for the foreseeable future.