As predicted, Las Vegas Raiders rookie Tyree Wilson had a productive game against the New York Giants in Week 9. Wilson was credited with half a sack, 2 pressures, 3 solo tackles, and a quarterback hit. The aspect of Sunday’s bout that was not predicted was that Wilson would be up against one of the Giants’ only competent offensive tackles, Andrew Thomas.
Thomas had only allowed one sack before this game. That didn’t stop the Raiders’ seventh-overall pick, who was able to power his way past Thomas on several snaps.
The Raiders’ defense feasted on the Giants’ offensive line, logging 26 total pressures, 8 sacks, and 9 quarterback hits; an impressive showing by the defense. It would have been nice to see Wilson have even greater numbers considering the high amount of disruption caused by Las Vegas’ defensive line. However, as Wilson continues to be a work in progress, this was certainly a positive day for the young rookie.
Tyree Wilson Tape Review: Let’s Get Creative
Tyree Wilson is consistent in several areas. After reviewing every one of his snaps (several times) on Sunday’s game against the Giants (32), there was a lot to take notice of.
Wilson, lining up on the left side of the quarterback, was still slow in his get off. The rookie utilized his power in an attempt to outmuscle Thomas and faced the occasional double team. Wilson switched up his technique in a three point or four point stance. In recent games he’s stood in a two point stance with both hands off the ground. Raiders interim head coach Antonio Pierce recognizes the improvement and opportunity for growth;
“Yeah, I think we’ve all seen the progress he’s made,” Pierce said. “It first started with just get out of the stance, so we worked on that. And obviously, he’s a big human being, very talented. He’s going to be a good football player in his league. But this league is very humbling, you just don’t walk in day one and become the guy. And I think he’s now embraced the process of working every day.”
The 23-year-old’s get off may have lacked speed but he looked more explosive engaging the tackle in his pass rush. Wilson and Crosby almost look like complete opposites (when it comes to their playing style). Crosby utilizes chops, swipes, and spin moves in his pass rushing arsenal while Wilson seems fairly one dimensional. The Raiders’ first-rounder this summer did make more plays against the run, however, attempting to tackle Saquon Barkley with one arm extended did not always work. At times, Wilson lost control of his assigned gap and Barkley seemingly ran right by him without being touched.
Tyree Wilson had an opportunity for a second sack on quarterback Tommy Devito. Devito ran outside the pocket toward the rook and, although Wilson was able to shed his blocker, he took such a wide angle in his pursuit that he missed his chance.
Still Lacking Consistency
While Wilson is consistent in some ways, certain snaps are confusing. In one snap against the run the Texas Tech alum was leveled by tight end Sam Bellinger, and it wasn’t a surprise or a chip block. Then, in another pass rushing situation, Wilson lined up on the right side against Evan Neal and blew by the first-round right tackle with ease.
Performances such as these lead analysts to wonder if Wilson simply does not have the proper conditioning, as well as the pass rush moves, at this early point in his career.
On a positive note, Wilson’s half-sack should have been a single sack. Wilson blew around Andrew Thomas off the edge, with one arm, and sacked Devito with Robert Spillane backing him up.
More sacks against another New York team?
The Raiders Week 10 matchup is another opportunity for Tyree Wilson to take advantage of a faulty offensive line. The New York Jets meet up with the Raiders at home in Las Vegas. The Jets are coming off a rough loss to the Los Angeles Chargers where quarterback Zach Wilson was under constant duress. [Zach] Wilson was sacked 8 times and hit another 8 times by the Chargers’ defense. Pro Football Focus attributed 40 pressures to the Chargers’ defense in that game.
The Jets’ offensive line will have similar personnel on the field against the Raiders on Sunday Night Football. Maxx Crosby and his fellow defensive lineman should be in for another productive evening and Tyree Wilson should join in on the fun. Wilson could face either left tackle: Mekhi Becton, or Duane Brown if he returns to action.
Becton was one of the few bright spots on the Jets’ offensive line against the Chargers, holding up against Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa. Brown hasn’t been 100% for the majority of the season, and when he did play he allowed two sacks in 101 snaps. Brown, dealing with both hip and shoulder injuries, would be the more advantageous match up for Wilson.
Regardless of the production, Wilson has gone against several competent left tackles. Whether he is opposite Becton or Brown he should embrace the challenge.
*Top Photo: Justin Edmonds/Getty Images