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PFF Recap: Grading the Oakland Raiders in Week 7

By Austin Gayle

Oct 23, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) holds back Oakland Raiders tackle Donald Penn (72) as umpire Shawn Smith (14) approaches during the second half of a football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. The Raiders won 33-16. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) holds back Oakland Raiders tackle Donald Penn (72) as umpire Shawn Smith (14) approaches during the second half of a football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. The Raiders won 33-16. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 23, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Robinson (15) blocks Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Perry Riley (54) so that Jaguars wide receiver Marqise Lee (11) can run the ball during the second half of a football game at EverBank Field. The Raiders won 33-16. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Robinson (15) blocks Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Perry Riley (54) so that Jaguars wide receiver Marqise Lee (11) can run the ball during the second half of a football game at EverBank Field. The Raiders won 33-16. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Raiders Find Hidden Treasure in Perry Riley Jr.

The broken record continues to play in Oakland, as veteran linebacker Perry Riley Jr., a former Washington Redskin who joined the team the week prior to their Week 5 matchup against the Chargers, has finished atop the Raiders’ defense in three consecutive weeks.

Riley Jr. earned the team’s tops defensive grade (85.4), again. In 150 total defensive snaps this season, he has emerged as PFF’s fifth best linebacker in the NFL.

Entering the 2016 season, the Raiders hoped they could lean on second-year project Ben Heeney and Smith to anchor the middle of their defense, but because of Riley Jr.’s recent success, he has taken over as the Raiders’ man in the middle.

With just 12 tackles in three games (two against Jacksonville), Riley Jr. isn’t turning heads because of his production, but his presence in coverage has prevented opposing offenses from finding mismatches with their tight ends and running backs.

In 89 coverage snaps, Riley Jr. has earned an 82.4 overall grade, per PFF.com.

With rookie linebacker Corey James also thrown in the mix, Riley Jr. has single-handedly added both depth and a noticeable spark to what was the Raiders’ worst position group.

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