The Tampa Bay Buccaneers roll into Allegiant Stadium with an imposing receiving game. So what can we expect from Las Vegas Raiders cornerback, Trayvon Mullen?
It is no secret that the Raiders secondary has struggled, that being said, Mullen is doing his job and is holding down his side. Against Bucs quarterback Tom Brady and his receivers, he’ll have to be at his best. This is due to the fact that Brady will be throwing to some imposing wide receivers. While there’s no doubt that the Clemson standout is up to the task, he will have his work cut out for him.
Mullen has only allowed 14 receptions on 23 targets from opposing quarterbacks. Pro Football Focus grades Mullen at 64.4 for his coverage skills in 2020. Pretty good for the sophomore standout, but what is coming his way on Sunday?
Related: QB Tom Brady Remains A Roadblock In Gruden’s Quest For Respect
The Raiders will need Mullen to bring his ‘A’ game this Sunday
The Bucs roll into Las Vegas with seven players who have 10-plus receptions on the year. Of those players, the top three wide receivers are Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Scott Miller. Depending on the playcalling, it is possible Mullen will have to line up opposite of at least two of them. Between the three of them, they have a dropped pass per target percentage between 4 and 5. There is a total of eight touchdown receptions among the three of them and Evans accounts for six of them. The three broken tackles between them and the fact that they have 201 yards after the catch combined, means Mullen’s tackling will be tested.
While many make light of the fact that Brady is a shell, that is actually deceiving. Right now, Brady’s on target throws per attempt percentage sits at 74.3 for 2020. Mullen is playing at a high level, no doubt about that, but this is Brady we are talking about. These receivers will test Mullen right out of the gate, can he lead this pass defense once again on Sunday?
You May Also Like: Derek Carr Edition of Motley Review
*Top Photo: Jeff Haynes/Associated Press