All eyes were on interim head coach Antonio Pierce as the Las Vegas Raiders entered their first battle following the Josh McDaniels-era. Pierce elected to start rookie signal caller Aidan O’Connell moving forward; a move that helped the Silver and Black secure a 24-point victory against the New York Giants in Week 9. Josh Jacobs was able to get back to form, and seventh-overall pick Tyree Wilson had his best day as a pro. Lost in all of the celebrating was another excellent outing from Amik Robertson.
Against the Giants, Robertson earned a coverage grade of 91.8 via Pro Football Focus. This was not only the highest coverage grade on the Raiders, but it was the third-highest among all cornerbacks across the National Football League in Week 9.
The fourth-year cornerback allowed only half of the passes his way to be completed, notching an interception and breaking up an additional would-be completion. All-in-all, this gave Robertson a 21.9 passer rating when targeted; the fourth-lowest at his position for the week. Add in a forced fumble, and you get a sensational day in the office.
Robertson’s zero missed tackles doesn’t hurt to look at, either.
This is just another week in what’s been a career-year for the former fourth-rounder thus far.
Amik Robertson is on pace for career-year in fourth season with Raiders
By all accounts, 2022 was notably Robertson’s best year as a pro. The 25-year-old posted career-bests in completion percentage allowed (58.9%), interceptions (2), forced incompletions (6), passer rating allowed (98.1), forced fumbles (1) and sacks (1). In just half of his 2023 campaign, Robertson has already replicated what he did last season.
Through nine weeks, the Louisiana Tech alum has matched his ’22 totals in interceptions (2), forced fumbles (1) and sacks (1). These things have helped Robertson’s surrendered quarterback rating drop to 66.5; a new career-best at this moment in time, improving his ’22 mark by 33%. This is the lowest passer rating allowed among all players in the Raiders’ secondary this season.
Statistically speaking, Robertson places top-two in nearly every category among Las Vegas’ secondary members.
His two interceptions are tied with Tre’von Moehrig for most on team, while his completion percentage allowed (60.7%) and forced incompletions (3) rank second.
Although Robertson’s strides in coverage are clear as day, there’s still one area that needs improvement: tackling.
Last season, no player in the Raiders’ secondary had a higher missed tackle percentage than Amik Robertson (22.2%). This year, that percentage has shot up to 23.1%. It’s an area that needs some fine-tuning, but he’ll be the first to acknowledge that. In the meantime, don’t let his tackling woes take away from his dominance this season.
*Top Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
