We are six weeks into the NFL season, and the Las Vegas Raiders sit at 4-2. Following one of the most tumultuous weeks in recent memory for a franchise, the Raiders came out and delivered a beating to the Denver Broncos. The victory capped off an emotional week and now leads the Raiders to a home game against the 2-4 Philadelphia Eagles.
All eyes will be on the defense once again, so with that said, here are three defenders that will be key for the Raiders.
Nate Hobbs
The Eagles don’t exactly have a top-shelf offense this season, but they do have some playmakers at the skill positions. That is where rookie Nate Hobbs comes in. Hobbs has been a revelation for the Raiders this season and has seen his role grow with injuries to Damon Arnette and Trayvon Mullen.Â
Hobbs can play inside or outside corner, but what may have surprised some people has been his tackling ability. With a mobile quarterback coming into town, that will be big. Hobbs will see a lot of Heisman trophy winner DeVonta Smith as well. If Hobbs can show up again and help keep these players contained, Raider Nation may see its second straight game where their blood pressure isn’t through the roof.
Cory Littleton
Last season Littleton was brought in to help solidify the linebacker corps and to put it mildly, it didn’t go that way. This year Littleton has performed significantly better and has been a key contributor.
A key reason he was signed was his coverage ability, specifically with tight ends. As far as the Eagles, they have Dallas Goedert. They traded away Zach Ertz, a former member of their Super Bowl run, but Goedert has shown the ability to be a contributor. Littleton covering Goedert will be key as when things aren’t going well for an offense, the tight end can be a security blanket.
If Littleton can yank that blanket out from under the Eagles, desperation can set in, and opportunities for the defense can show themselves again.
Tre’von Moehrig
It took five weeks, but Moehrig picked up the first interception of his career and nearly picked up two. Moehrig has contributed in every game and has helped calm fans’ nerves of seeing some players just run freely in the back half of the Raiders secondary. I have mentioned that though the Eagles may not have a high-flying offense statistically, they do possess playmakers.
If the Raiders jump out to ab early lead or if the Eagles decide to start fast, Moehrig could see plenty of deep shots his way. Who knows, maybe Moehrig could double his interception numbers today. Regardless, if Moehrig can deter the Eagles from going at him, 5-2 could be next to the Raiders as the game clock hits triple zero.
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*Top Photo: Michael Clemens/Las Vegas Raiders