Sacks do not tell the entire story. Houston Texans’ first-round selection, Will Anderson, has logged only one sack through the first six games of the 2023 season. Anderson is punching in quality numbers in other areas, however. In Week 6, against the Saints, Anderson dialed in eight pressures with six hurries, and had a 28.9% puss rush win rate. Las Vegas Raiders rookie Tyree Wilson is in a similar position as Anderson, although his numbers are less impressive.
Wilson has yet to log his first sack, but he’s slowly climbing his way up the box score each week. After watching every snap Wilson put on tape in the Week 6 victory against New England, a few things stuck out.
Tale of the tape – Raiders rookie Tyree Wilson
Trouble defeating Big Trent
In Tyree Wilson’s 22 Week 6 snaps – Malcolm Koonce logged 23 for comparison – there was a lot of trouble getting to the second level. For the majority of his repetitions, Wilson faced off against No. 77, Trent Brown.
Brown had an excellent day against the Raiders rookie, not allowing a sack or a pressure. Wilson attempted to use mostly power against the oversized tackle and did not try much else in the way of pass-rushing moves. ‘Big Trent’ held strong, and Wilson was ultimately unable to bypass the former Raider.
One positive rep was when the former Red Raider pushed off Brown and attempted to penetrate the offensive line up the middle. Wilson was unsuccessful, but only because Mac Jones got rid of the ball quickly. The creativity and awareness was an encouraging sign.
The Patriots were clearly not scared of the rookie defensive end. Bill Belichick lined up tight ends Hunter Henry and Pharoah Brown against the seventh-overall pick, and the tight ends held up their end. The results were embarrassing for Wilson.
At the end of the day, Wilson was held to two solo tackles and a mediocre 6.2% win rate.
Promising moments from the Raiders, Patriots game
There were two plays from the 23-year-old that stood out on Sunday:
- Wilson lined up on the right side and was left completely unblocked. The rookie read the read-option play and saw running back Rhamondre Stevenson run up the middle. Wilson ran to the ball and tackled Stevenson by himself at the line of scrimmage.
- Wilson again lined up on the ride side, this time against Vederian Lowe. Lowe barely attempted to block Wilson and neither player seemed to give much effort. Wilson, however, saw Maxx Crosby and Amik Robertson break out through the offensive line and attempted to join in on the sack. He simply was not quick enough.
Wilson’s get off, overall speed, and pass-rush moves are glaringly mediocre. As his health improves, the speed at least should improve as well. As far as pass-rush moves go, the Raiders rookie needs to move in with Maxx Crosby and grab a pencil.
Sack Town in Chi Town
There may not be an abundance of optimism after reading that last section. While Tyree Wilson’s performance against the Patriots was not all positive, there is potential in Week 7. “Potential” may not be the best word to preface the Raiders Week 7 game; this game is one of Wilson’s best chances to be disruptive.
The Chicago Bears’ offensive line allowed 5 sacks and 8 quarterback hits in Week 7. Justin Fields has been the third-most sacked quarterback in the league, taking 24 sacks over six weeks. Furthermore, Fields will likely be out in Week 7 due to a dislocated thumb. In all likelihood, the Raiders will be facing undrafted free agent rookie Tyson Bagent.
Bagent stepped in for Fields against the Vikings in Week 6 and ended his debut with 10 completions on 14 attempts with 1 interception, 1 fumble, and 0 passing touchdowns. The rookie will not be as much of a threat with his rushing ability as Fields, but he still is an athletic quarterback. Bagent got rid of the ball quickly under constant pressure from the Vikings defense. While he got the ball out quickly, usually via check down or out to the flat, Minnesota was in position to prohibit much progress.
Scouting Wilson’s [likely] matchup
Raiders’ defensive coordinator Patrick Graham is on a hot streak. Graham is putting his players in positions where they can succeed, and is starting to move Wilson up and down the line (right, left, inside). However, the majority of his action is seen in the left defensive end position.
Wilson should be up against left tackle Larry Borom for most of the game. Borom allowed the most productivity in Week 6 against the Vikings, surrendering 3 pressures and 1 sack. Chicago’s LT has given up 16 total pressures this season. Borom is filling in for the injured Braxton Jones, and in Week 5, he was even more of a liability allowing 8 pressures and 2 QB hits.
The Bears’ dismantled offensive line will have their hands full with Maxx Crosby. Wilson should be able to take advantage of the attention Crosby will command. The rookie needs to capitalize on this opportunity and elevate his status within the rising Raiders defensive unit.
*Top Photo: Getty Images Pool
