Wait, trio? This started as the “best starting duo” for the Las Vegas Raiders. However, with the aerial theatrics showcasing three or more receivers proliferating the NFL, teams deploy more cornerbacks in hopes of matching up and grounding the opposition’s passing attack. To put it plainly, the nickel defense has become a “base formation”. What
Corner Pocket: Which trio is best for Raiders?
Mullen can get grabby. Coaching staff actually had him practice with boxing gloves so he couldn’t rely on his hands. Arnette might be similar so he will need to adapt.
It appears that the starting corners week 1 will be Amukamara and Mullen. I hope this is the case since Arnette will need time to get acclimated, similar to Mullen last year. Same with Robertson. Even elite corners, based on draft position, take time. Remember Charles Woodson’s first game in Silver and Black? It was a Sunday night game vs. Chiefs in September 1998, which was also Gruden’s first game as head coach. Woodson got torched by Bad Moon Risen.
Nonetheless, it’s exciting to see the infusion of young talent in the secondary. Raiders really need to improve in the secondary to slow down offenses in a a passing driven league. If they can delay the QB’s release by blanketing WRs early in routes, it will allow a split second more time for the defensive line to get “home” to the QB.
Good article Ray, enjoyed the insight. I think your top trio may be right by the end of the season but I think it will be Mullen, Amukamara and Joyner (yikes!) at the start. Joyner is the most immediately vulnerable and I hope he is moved to FS by week 2.
Amukamara is a very good player and will be tough to beat out – Arnette will have to earn that spot.
Much more relaxed about Lawson as depth, rather than a potential starter and itching to see more of what Johnson can bring.
On penalties, our guys will really need to clean up their tendencies because no one should ever forget: we are the Raiders and every zebra hates us!