The Las Vegas Raiders finished their ’23 season with the ninth-least points allowed, with the safety tandem of Marcus Epps and Tre’von Moehrig being one of the biggest reasons why.
Epps, who spent his first year in Sin City last season, made an immediate impact with his new club. Despite being a fresh face in Las Vegas, the 28-year-old wasted no time demonstrating his leadership, consequently being named a team captain for the 2023 season.
Safety Isaiah Pola-Mao is one of the many Raiders defenders who instantly took note of Epps’ leadership.
“He’s a pro’s pro,” Pola-Mao noted of his position-mate. “The guy comes in every day as the same person. His routine; everything he eats, the way he attacks film.”
Top of the line pro. He leads by example, and kind of just try to follow in his footsteps.”
Following in Epps’ footsteps is something Pola-Mao may be forced to do sooner rather than later. After this upcoming season, Epps’ two-year contract will reach its end. So will the contract of five other starters on the defense, including the Raiders’ other starting safety, Tre’von Moehrig.
Actually, Pola-Mao himself will need a new contract, but it seems likely he’ll be returning to Sin City in 2025.
In any case, the Silver and Black will cross those bridges when they come to them. For now, Pola-Mao is busy making the lives of those on the Raiders’ offense harder with his exceptional play during training camp.
Isaiah Pola-Mao shines in Raiders’ first practice with pads
Saturday marked Las Vegas’ first padded practice, and no one was more ready than Pola-Mao.
The third-year safety started his day by notching an interception against Aidan O’Connell in the end zone. Later, he stopped Alexander Mattison in his tracks with a big hit.
“It felt good being out there, running around and hitting stuff. Just trying to do my job,” Pola-Mao said after practice when asked about the hit.
In 2023, the Raiders’ defense totaled 13 interceptions. Although Pola-Mao was only tested six times in coverage, he still was able to contribute to that total with a takeaway of his own. The 25-year-old has continued showing off his ball skills throughout camp with multiple interceptions.
With Pola-Mao playing the role of the third safety, as he did last season, the Raiders are hopeful that their defense will pick up right where it left off. If that’s the case, Las Vegas will be tough to get the better of in 2024.
*Top Photo: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports