One of the most disappointing individual 2020 performances for the Las Vegas Raiders came from defensive end Carl Nassib.
The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers was one of the more interesting signings by the Raiders’ brass last offseason. Many fans weren’t exactly sure of how Nassib was going to fit in the Raiders’ defense. Looking back at Nassib’s stint in Tampa, one could argue he was a solid player before joining the Silver and Black. From 2018-2019, Nassib accumulated 12.5 sacks, 20 tackles for a loss, and 38 pressures. His best season was under Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Bowles’ 4-3 defense back in 2019.
After signing a three-year contract with the Raiders worth nearly $25 million, expectations were high for the former Nittany Lion. However, Nassib never really got it going in Paul Guenther’s scheme, well, to be fair, no one got it going. The Raiders defense as a whole was underwhelming, so much so, that Guenther’s no longer with the team.
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What happened to Nassib and the Raiders?
Overall, 2020’s a year that both Nassib and the Raiders would rather just forget about. On the field, the defensive end seemed to disappear at times; he essentially had a minimal impact despite his contract. Fortunately, it wasn’t all doom and gloom for ’94’, as he had some good moments throughout the year. One that many fans will remember was when he snatched a pass from Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock, displaying excellent awareness and showcasing his length.
Carl Nassib with the big man theft 🚨 @Raiders
📺 #DENvsLV on CBS pic.twitter.com/r13TMkRfEO
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) November 15, 2020
Nassib’s overall Pro Football Focus grade came in at 66.1 for the 2020 season, which was down from 69.2 in his final season with the ‘Bucs.’ His pass-rushing abilities actually graded slightly lower this past year, from 69.2 to 66.1. respectively. He ended his 2020 campaign with two and a half sacks and five tackles for a loss. It’s highly unlikely that the Raiders eat his contract and cut ’94,’ instead, it’s possible Nassib might benefit from new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s scheme change.
The defensive end also flourished in Tampa playing behind the line as a linebacker, showing speed and the aforementioned awareness to defend the pass. Perhaps, 2021 will be a better year for Nassib as well as a few other Raiders defenders.
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*Top Photo: L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal
