The Las Vegas Raiders fell to 5-6 after a close loss to the Miami Dolphins. Patrick Graham’s defense really showed up, limiting the most explosive offense in the NFL to 20 points. The defensive line may not have appeared to be overly disruptive based on the statistics. However, Maxx Crosby, in particular, had Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa under constant duress. As for Tyree Wilson, he notched two total tackles and one pressure.
While he did not log any sacks, there were notable improvements in his game. After examining his tape, it looks like head coach Antonio Pierce is doing all he can to help the rookie find success.
Raiders in a light box but Tyree Wilson beats Terron Armstead inside and tackles the RB for a one-yard gain pic.twitter.com/XalJm0RB3j
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) November 22, 2023
If not for the Dolphins’ explosive playmakers on offense (mostly Tyreek Hill), it would have been a Raiders victory. The defense put together 17 pressures against the Dolphins’ offensive line, which resulted in consistent interference for their quarterback.
A rough start for the first-round pick…
One of the bigger complaints about Wilson’s game (aside from his get-off and production) is his lack of vision. Play-action passing plays frequently deceive Wilson. It is also not uncommon to see him take incorrect or inefficient angles when he pursues running backs or wide receivers in short yardage plays. After reviewing Wilson’s 19 snaps, there were several observations worth noting.
- Malcolm Koonce is the clear No. 2 defensive end, opposite Maxx Crosby, with 32 snaps on Sunday compared to Tyree Wilson’s 19.
- Antonio Pierce is giving Wilson every opportunity to find a weak point against offensive lines by lining him up as a DE and DT.
- Wilson lined up in multiple stances, such as a two-point (standing up) and three-point (one hand on the ground prior to the snap).
- Wilson was inconsistent against various blockers. Wilson pancaked tight end Mike Gesicki when he attempted to chip him on one block, then could not shed Gesicki’s block the next.
- Wilson’s single recorded pressure was extremely close to a sack. Wilson lined up as a defensive tackle opposite right guard Liam Eichenberg (who consistently struggled against Wilson) and quickly shed his block and pursued Tagovailoa. Wilson utilized his length and grabbed onto Tagovailoa, but he could not hold onto the quarterback as he evaded the pressure. Wilson had another rush as a defensive tackle where he beat Eichenberg off the line with his bull rush, and Tagovailoa saw Wilson bearing down. Tua let the ball out quickly and avoided the incoming sack.
- Wilson lined up as a defensive tackle on six of his snaps and looked far better against Eichenberg than he did as a defensive end against tackle Terron Armstead. On at least one play, Eichenberg needed help from center Connor Williams to double the rookie.
The Raiders and Tyree Wilson are about to “Raid the Kingdom”
Tyree Wilson is not one of the “favored sons” in the eyes of Raider Nation. He has received comparisons to former Raider Clelin Ferrell. Ferrell was a contributor on the defensive side of the ball, but as the 4th overall pick in 2019, he didn’t live up to the hype. Wilson, in this writer’s opinion, has a higher ceiling than Ferrell did. Wilson will not be able to win over his critics instantly, but sacking Patrick Mahomes would be a pretty great start.
Maxx Crosby feeds off of his rivalry with Mahomes, and the Chiefs know it. The coaching staff in Kansas City will be scheming to take Crosby out of the game. This will, as it has all season, create opportunities for Wilson to face single blockers and hopefully come away with some production. Wilson striking home and bringing down the best quarterback in the league would definitely assist in his cause for acceptance.
With Wilson lining up in different positions on the defensive line, he will be facing off against left tackle Donovan Smith and possibly right guard Trey Smith. Donovan Smith has allowed only one sack this season on 673 offensive snaps. Trey Smith is even more impressive, allowing zero sacks on his 684 offensive snaps. Patrick Mahomes will be heavily guarded on Sunday. While the offensive line focuses their attention on “Mad Maxx,” Tyree Wilson should be chasing after one of Raider Nation’s most hated rival quarterbacks.
*Top Photo: Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal
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