PFF Recap: Grading the Oakland Raiders in Week 2

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Sep 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback David Amerson (29) intercepts a pass against the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. The Falcons defeated the Raiders 35-28. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Cornerbacks Struggle; David Amerson Lone Highlight with ‘Solid’ Grade

Going against two high-powered offenses like those of the Saints and Falcons will have a negative effect on almost all NFL secondaries, but the Raiders have managed to exceed that expectation.

For the second consecutive week, Raiders veteran cornerback Sean Smith failed to meet expectations. Though he did manage to avoid the bench for the duration of the game, Smith struggled significantly in press man-coverage, as he often fell behind Falcons lead receiver Julio Jones without creating contact at the line of scrimmage.

Despite his strong grade against the run (84.6), Smith still has the worst overall grade among Raiders cornerbacks this season (42.3).

On the other hand, fourth-year corner David Amerson has been a non-factor against the run, earning a 37.2 through two games, but he has held his own in coverage. He boasted the Raiders’ fifth-best defensive grade (68.7) on Sunday.

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