Oakland Raiders: What we learned from Preseason Week 2
By Austin Gayle
Aug 22, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Taylor Heinicke (6) fumbles the ball as Oakland Raiders linebacker Ben Heeney (51) hits him in the third quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Ben Heeney Consistent in Second Preseason Performance
No rookie for the Oakland Raiders is having a better preseason than fifth-round selection Ben Heeney.
The former University of Kansas inside linebacker led the team for the second consecutive game with seven tackles, including half-sack that resulted in a fumble recovery for Oakland’s defense in the third quarter.
Heeney is an extremely active linebacker that is continuing to prove that his high-motor and natural instincts can lead to him having quality production in the NFL.
Despite his recent success, Heeney still believes he has a lot of work to do when it comes to being a starting inside linebacker in this league, a form of determination that Oakland wants from their young stud.
“I’m out here busting my butt,” Heeney said via Bill Williamson of ESPN.com. “I’m not content.”
Though Heeney is currently the No. 2 inside linebacker behind recent free agent addition Curtis Lofton, I would not be surprised if he is given substantial playing time throughout his rookie campaign.
Neiron Ball Quietly has an Impressive Performance
Fifth-round pick out of the University of Florida Neiron Ball has overcame a lot of adversity on his road to the NFL, for he had successfully rebounded from brain surgery in 2011, but his play early in the preseason is looking relatively optimistic.
Ball has accumulated seven combined tackles (six solo) in his first two preseason games while also creating some pressure on the quarterback against Minnesota, as he was credited with two QB hits.
Though it will continue to be an uphill battle for Ball to receive quality minutes during the regular season, he has still been an excitement to watch and could solidify himself on the roster with two more productive performances.