PFF Recap: Grading the Oakland Raiders in Week 6
By Austin Gayle
Perry Riley Jr.’s Play Hints at Consistency
After putting together an outstanding performance in his Raider debut against the Chargers in Week 5, inside linebacker Perry Riley Jr. exceeded expectations, again.
The former Washington Redskins linebacker is finding new life in Oakland, now putting together back-to-back performances as the Raiders’ top graded defender (82.4).
Riley Jr. has earned an 88.6 overall grade on 82 defensive snaps this season, per PFF.com.
As rookie inside linebacker Corey James continues to work against an expected learning curve, veteran linebacker Malcolm Smith looks as if he too has returned to school.
Through 300 defensive snaps this season, Smith ranks 82nd among the 85 eligible linebackers with a 36.6 overall grade.
With his surrounding cast at linebacker failing to follow his lead, Riley Jr. could take on a lead role within Oakland’s defense despite being with the team for less than two weeks.