Maybe it is time that everyone puts some respect on Denzel Perryman’s name. A late addition to the Las Vegas Raiders, Perryman has done nothing but show up every week delivering big hits and leading the league in tackling. Per ESPN, Perryman currently sits at 72 tackles, and his presence on the team also goes a long way.
Questions arose when Perryman was picked up via trade with the Carolina Panthers. The exchange was for sixth and seventh-round picks between the teams. Before the trade, Perryman suffered a couple of injuries during his short Panthers stint, which made many question his acquisition. He has quickly shown his worth as he is constantly around the ball, and after not being brought back by the Los Angeles Chargers, Perryman is playing with a chip on his shoulder.
#Raiders LB Denzel Perryman has 10+ tackles in 6 straight games. The only player in the NFL with a longer streak of double-digit tackle games since 2000 was Zach Thomas with 8 in 2004-05. The others players w/ 6 straight are Luke Kuechly (twice), London Fletcher and Todd Davis
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) October 21, 2021
Perryman has shown explosiveness, and the familiarity with defensive coordinator Gus Bradley cannot be understated. Perryman knows this defense as he’s been in the system since 2017. That familiarity has been a factor all season, and his presence has been key in the defensive turnaround.
The best ability is availability…Â
The one question throughout his career has been his availability. Perryman has yet to play a full season, but so far, so good. Playing with a said chip on his shoulder has surely played a role as Perryman wants to leave his mark.Â
If Perryman remains healthy and maintains his current level of play, a Pro Bowl berth could be on the horizon. Per Pro Football Focus, Perryman is having a solid year in both defending the run and pass. His grades, 74.1 and 74.5, respectively, are evidence of that. If the Raiders make the playoffs, no doubt that Perryman’s arrival played a role in it. Let’s put some respect on Perryman’s name now.
[pickup_prop id=”13665″]
*Top Photo: L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal
