Well, another shot at redemption has arrived for Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram tomorrow in Kansas City.
In his third year, Abram has been picked on a lot, specifically by the Kansas City Chiefs. The first matchup this season saw nine passes go his way, and all nine were completed, including a couple of touchdowns. On one play, he was outjumped by Darrel Williams, and on the other play, he was spun around and left the receiver wide open. The question has been, if he comes back next season, what do they do with him?
“He’s known for his hitting”
Abram was drafted because of his motor and hard hits, not his coverage ability. We all know that and accept that, but when he has to be in coverage, it is far from pretty. He was beaten on big-time plays in four straight games. He drew ire from Raider fans for making some risky plays and then leaving Travis Kelce wide open for a game-winning touchdown last year.
This season, with two games of being outleapt, the anger came back out. His numbers this season look good. Abram currently, per ESPN, sits second on the team with 97 total tackles, four tackles for loss, five pass deflections, one interception, and a fumble recovery. He has shown the ability to read plays and make big stops. Sadly, he gets beat on a pass play and the groans from the fans start. The talk has begun on whether the Raiders will bring him back next season.
“No time like the present”
This game is going to go a long way towards the future of Abram. If he can put up a good game and help pull off the upset, his chances of returning are exponentially bigger. Playing well against the Raiders’ most hated rival will certainly help Abram’s case.
However, a continuation of his recent play and he could earn himself a one-way ticket out of Vegas. Abram brings energy, emotion, and fun, but it hasn’t always carried over into his play. He wants to stay a Raider, and now is the time to show why he was a first-round pick. If another collapse happens or another play where his two-inch vertical leap is highlighted, Mark Davis will be looking at replacements come January.