With NFL Week 2 underway, which three defensive players for the Las Vegas Raiders will need to shine versus the Pittsburgh Steelers?
The Raiders will meet up with the Steelers as both teams look to improve to 2-0 in the early going. Las Vegas will come into this game with a lot of momentum but banged up as well. No doubt that there is a lot to look forward to for this game. However, the injuries could affect the outcome for the Raiders. Given the damage, here are three defensive players who need to make an impact on Sunday.
Clelin Ferrell, DE
To many people’s dismay, 2019’s fourth overall pick was a healthy scratch last week. With some offseason acquisitions, and the continued emergence of Maxx Crosby, Ferrell seemed to become the odd man out. After the first game, two key members of the defensive line came out with injuries. It’s now up to Ferrell to show that he’s still worthy of playing time. Ferrell has proven versatile, playing as a defensive tackle and defensive end, which could help a lot this week. The Steelers had issues in Week 1 with their offensive line, and Ferrell, if motivated, can feast.
Trayvon Mullen, CB
On Monday night versus the Ravens, Mullen didn’t have too much work. He ended the game with two tackles per Pro Football Focus. With the injuries that the Ravens had, Mullen hardly broke a sweat. This week will be vastly different. The Steelers did not have much pass yardage in Week 1, but they have three legit receivers in JuJu Smith-Schuster, Chase Claypool, and Diontae Johnson, and they will be looking to go at the secondary of the Raiders.
Mullen had a good second season as he established himself as CB1 for the Raiders but had some real struggles to end last season, and this season he looked ready to show up and re-establish himself. Given the Steelers’ depth at wide receiver, Mullen will need a big performance to get the Raiders to 2-0.
K.J. Wright, LB
Tomorrow will be a big-time spot for Wright to show up. Wright signed before the regular-season opener following ten seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. It would be a little much to ask for Wright to jump in with no offseason work even though he has played under defensive coordinator Gus Bradley early in his career. With every practice, Wright becomes more used to the defense and will be more at home.
Wright had a big moment in the opener as he stopped a fourth down run before halftime, helping lead the Raiders to a field goal kick. Wright has respect around the league and was welcomed with open arms by Raider Nation. Be that as it may, to help the defense slow down the Steelers, he will need to make more than one play. In an important game so early in the season, Wright’s veteran leadership will be much-needed.
If the Raiders can improve to 2-0, these three players will have played a key role. Can the Raiders begin 2-0 for the second season in a row, or will the Raiders falter against an old rival?
*Top Photo: Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal