The Raiders had a slow, but steady win against the New York Jets on Sunday Night Football. It was exciting enough when it came down to the game falling on a Zach Wilson Hail Mary attempt. Las Vegas’ defense was excellent, limiting Jets running back Breece Hall to a mere 28 rushing yards on 13 attempts. For comparison, Hall rushed for 127 yards on 10 attempts versus the Buffalo Bills in Week 1. Maxx Crosby, Tyree Wilson, and the rest of the team’s defense was ready for the Jets’ bell cow.
While the Raiders’ defense was a huge part of the win in Week 10, New York’s offensive line was able to limit Maxx Crosby’s usual game-wrecking ability. One would assume that, if Maxx Crosby was being doubled by the Jets, Tyree Wilson would be left open for business.
Unfortunately, that was not the case.
Malcolm Koonce takes the stage in Raiders latest win
After a career-day against the Giants, Tyree Wilson did not make the box score statistics sheet in Week 10. Pro Football Focus recorded one pressure for Wilson thanks to a decent bull rush against left tackle Mekhi Becton, but besides that, he did not record a single solo tackle, quarterback hit, or sack.
Meanwhile, fellow defensive end Malcolm Koonce notched one sack, two QB hits, and two solo tackles.
Wilson essentially had the same amount of chances that Koonce did to capitalize on the Jets’ makeshift offensive line. Koonce played 39% of all defensive snaps (26 snaps) while Wilson was on the field 33% of the time (22 snaps).
Is this the same Tyree Wilson tape again?
After turning on the tape, Wilson showed the same type of film we have been viewing since Week 1. This was a game that Wilson really could have broken out, especially after having a fantastic outing against the Giants one week prior.
Wilson was fooled by the Jets play action and looked extremely stiff when he had to turn his hips to chase after a runner or receiver catching a check-down pass. The Raiders rookie also missed both Dalvin Cook and Breece Hall when they rushed through his gap. On one play in particular, Wilson did not expect the chip block from Breece Hall, who stands at 5’11 and weighs 220 lbs. The 6’6, 275 lb Tyree Wilson was completely thrown out of his rush.
While it was hard to find some positives on this tape, there was a small glimmer of hope. The Texas Tech alum was using his usual power/bull rush pass rushing moves, but on at least two snaps he appeared to be trying to utilize a swim move of sorts to get around Becton. Unfortunately, it did not work that well; but the fact that Wilson was trying to incorporate new pass rushing moves into his arsenal is a promising sign.
The seventh-overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft would have totaled several tackles had receivers/runners not stepped out of bounds or dropped the ball.
Tyree Wilson is very predictable when it comes to his moves. One would think Antonio Pierce, or any coach on the defensive side of the ball, would suggest the rookie attempt a spin move as he consistently only rushes to the left side or C gap, off the tackle. That would definitely throw opposing offensive linemen off; to see Wilson work outside and then spin his way in. Just an idea.
Try not to sink in Miami
Tua Tagovailoa is the 29th-most sacked quarterback in the NFL heading into Week 11. Tagovailoa has been sacked only 14 times this season. Miami’s QB faced his highest sack count (4) against the Bills in Week 4 at Buffalo. Tagovailoa was also hit 9 times that game.
That number may not be increasing drastically in Week 11, especially in regards to Tyree Wilson. Wilson faces off against ‘22 Pro Bowler Terron Armstead.
Armstead, who has not been overly healthy this season, has yet to allow a sack. Armstead is currently listed as limited on the Dolphins’ injury report. If he is not able to go, veteran Kendall Lamm would likely step in at left tackle.
Lamm has allowed 3 sacks this season on 432 offensive snaps. Wilson has been matched up with fairly-decent tackles this season; Lamm would not move that needle much.
There should be some production for Wilson if Armstead is unable to play. It seems probable that Wilson will face Armstead, which could be one of his toughest tests of the season. Let’s see if the rook can stay afloat in Miami this week.
*Top Photo: Justin Edmonds/Getty Images
