What the Oakland Raiders have to build on

Sep 7, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Chris Ivory (33) runs the ball past Oakland Raiders safety Tyvon Branch (33) during the second quarter of a game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Branch is Back

Strong safety Tyvon Branch is doing his thing again after ending his season early with an ankle injury last year. Like Moore, Branch was all over the field with seven tackles—one for a loss, a sack, a pass defensed and didn’t allow a catch. And oo-wee was he hitting as he especially put a hit on Jets running back Chris Ivory as he tried to turn the corner.

He may not have the instincts of a Troy Polamalu but there are things that he does that makes him just as valuable to his defense. The collegiate corner has 4.31 40-speed and uses that with excellent agility in one-on-one coverage. Then the two similarities he has to Polamalu are that he is a good blitzer and can put a big hit on you.

He’ll especially be needed against Texans’ talented offense Sunday.