Sep 28, 2014; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Miami Dolphins running back Orleans Darkwa (32) drives for a gap in the Oakland Raiders defence during the second half of the game between the Miami Dolphins and the Oakland Raidersat Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports
Bojay Filimoeatu
The Raiders definitely need middle linebacker Nick Roach back in there but after seven weeks, you wonder if that will ever happen. Because after thinking there was hope for Burris after Week 3’s game I now see that inside or middle linebacker isn’t for him. He just doesn’t have the instincts for it nor can he shed blocks and you can’t make an inside/middle linebacker any more than you can make a quarterback.
If the Raiders are going to stay in the 3-4, Bojay Filimoeatu may be the best inside linebacker there because he can shed blocks. As a matter of fact, he can shed blocks better than Roach so I want to see him with Roach when Roach gets back. He showed it when he was in on the tackle near the goal line that Justin Tuck force the fumble on.
Then later, on a short yardage situation, Filimoeatu blasted through the middle of the Dolphins offensive line for a tackle for a loss. He started out a little unsteady but for a young man that hasn’t played in an official football game in two years, he impressed me. His finding the ball improved over the course of the game as it will continue to improve all season and if his block shedding gets any better, he’ll be scary.
I definitely want to see more!