Oakland Raiders: X-Factors who could impact Sunday’s game
October 11, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders tight end Clive Walford (88) is tackled by Denver Broncos inside linebacker Danny Trevathan (59) and free safety Darian Stewart (26) during the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
2. Clive Walford
The talented rookie out of Miami has had a slow start to the season due to an injury early on. The coaching staff has been playing it smart and waiting for him to catch up, and develop before throwing him into game time situations. He’s tallied around 100 total snaps on the season, and now we are seeing him on the field more and more as the season continues.
Walford only has 3 receptions on the season, but last week against Denver he showed his big play potential with a great 33 yard reception that was one more broken tackle away from his first NFL touchdown.
So far on the season, Walford isn’t a player who is jumping off the stat sheet, but he is a serious offensive weapon who is starting to look more and more ready to be a part a consistent part of the offense.
Let’s not forget what Clive Walford did in college; he’s a guy who has school records at the University of Miami. He holds records over certain names like Jimmy Graham, Greg Olsen, Kellen Winslow and Jeremy Shockey. Walford is the complete package and this week might be a great opportunity for him to show off his incredible potential and skill set.
The Chargers do have a very solid pass defense, but with Eric Weddle ruled out for the game parts of the field may certainly open up for the Raider offense, and their variety of offensive weapons. With Cooper and Crabtree already being established as deep threats on any passing down, Marcel Reece being used more in the offense than previous years, and some young dynamic receivers coming into their own, Walford may end up just being an afterthought in the Chargers’ preparation for the game.
Walford is a mismatch against a majority of linebackers in the NFL, and Weddle’s absence may leave a weak spot in the defense on the inside passing routes. I expect Clive to have a solid performance this Sunday.
Next: Sunday X-Factors: Neiron Ball