Coming off the heels of their second preseason win, Las Vegas Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels spoke to the media today. Among the subjects, he touched on the cornerback position.
As most Raiders fans know, the cornerback group has been in a fluid situation. Trayvon Mullen isn’t back yet after having surgery this year. Cre’Von LeBlanc was also lost for the year. He was placed on injured reserve recently. Rock Ya-Sin and Anthony Averett have been dealing with injuries and haven’t played in the preseason yet. Naturally, this gives others an opportunity to shine and make the most of others’ absences. Take Nate Hobbs, for example. He’s been impressing both in camp and whenever he’s seen action in the preseason.
Players Stepping Up To Impress Raiders HC Josh McDaniels
Other players that have seized the opportunity following so many injuries at cornerback have been Amik Robertson and others. In his presser earlier, McDaniels was asked about Robertson, Sam Webb, and Chris Jones.
“(They) competed. Moved Amik [Robertson] into some different spots there, he played inside and outside a little bit, and played in the kicking game as well. All three of those guys played in the kicking game as well and showed up in different areas. I think that they understand that the opportunity is in front of them. Like we’ve said all along, there’s competition at every spot, so they certainly have had [the] opportunity to go out there and earn a role with some of the things that they’ve been able to do in practice and competed hard yesterday in the game. That’s what this is all about, you make the most of your chances, and when other people go in there, they have to make the most of their opportunities as well. But I thought all three guys competed.”
It wasn’t a perfect outing yesterday, far from it, but the Raiders’ cornerbacks made the most of it. Webb had himself a pass deflection, Robertson totaled three tackles, and Jones added two solo tackles of his own. Once all the cornerbacks return, the top slots will be accounted for mostly. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Hobbs, Ya-Sin, and Averett will be the top three. You also have to account for Mullen. Once he’s fully healthy, how will he factor in? The Raiders can only carry so many defensive backs, particularly corners. These next two preseason games will be interesting to watch as these players fight for the final spot or two.
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*Top Photo: NBC Sports/Boston