The Las Vegas Raiders kept with tradition when they faced off against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12. They blew a double-digit lead, stymied in the second half, and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes made just enough plays to win. The defense looked to Maxx Crosby’s other defensive ends, Malcolm Koonce and Tyree Wilson, to bring down the Chiefs star quarterback, but neither delivered. This can’t continue against the Minnesota Vikings this upcoming week.
As many now know, Crosby was on a snap count, dealing with a knee injury. Despite the ailment, Crosby recorded the only sack on Mahomes and recorded one of the two QB hits. Basically, it was more of the same for Tyree Wilson.
More of the same from the Raiders’ rookie
Tyree Wilson finished the Week 12 scrap against the Chiefs with a stat line that we are accustomed to. Wilson put together one solo tackle, no sacks, no QB hits, and zero pressures. Crosby and defensive end Malcolm Koonce were far more successful. But from an offensive and defensive standpoint, neither the defense nor the offense flourished. After reviewing all of Wilson’s 28 snaps vs. the Chiefs (compared to Koonce’s 26), it wasn’t much different from the previous 11 weeks.
Wilson lined up at almost every position on the defensive line. The rookie lined up on the right and left sides, as well as inside. Wilson went up against right tackle Jawaan Taylor and left tackle Donovan Smith, and on at least one snap, he was blocked by tight end Noah Gray (successfully). Wilson’s get-off was still the slowest on the line, and his pass rush moves were one-dimensional.
There were approximately three quality pass rush snaps where Wilson was close to logging a pressure. One of the three, in particular, could have been a sack. Wilson blew around Juwan Taylor on his outside shoulder; however, Taylor committed an egregious hold (and possibly a facemask penalty as well) against Wilson. The penalty was not called, and the opportunity to sack Mahomes vanished.
Wilson’s field awareness did look better in Week 12. Wilson appeared to recognize when to rush, and on at least one snap, he fell back into coverage after realizing Mahomes was getting the ball out quickly. Wilson’s powerful physical traits are there, and now his awareness has noticeably improved. The issue that is clear on film is that Wilson is simply not quick enough, and he isn’t shedding tackles. If his speed can improve and he works to develop his pass rush repertoire, there is hope.
Will Tyree Wilson get the drop on Joshua Dobbs?
The Raiders Week 14 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings is huge. The Raiders are 5-7; however, improving to 6-7 could project them into the playoff push conversation. The Vikings offensive line is one of the best in the league, and their left tackle, Christian Darrisaw, Wilson’s likely opponent, is formidable. Darrisaw has allowed only three sacks on 662 offensive snaps, per Pro Football Focus.
The good news for Wilson is that Maxx Crosby will be back on Sunday and should command most of the attention from the Vikings offensive line. The Vikings have already committed to starting journeyman Josh Dobbs. Dobbs has thrown for five touchdowns and five interceptions since being traded to the Vikings. Dobbs does have some ball security issues that the Raiders could exploit. Against the Broncos in Week 11, Dobbs had three fumbles and an interception.
The Raiders, with an improved performance from Wilson, need a win in Week 14 to have a chance down the final stretch of the season.
*Top Photo: Justin Edmonds/Getty Images
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