PFF Recap: Grading the Oakland Raiders in Week 15

Dec 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Malcolm Smith (53) celebrates after a fumble recovery in the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers during a NFL football game at Qualcomm Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

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Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oakland Raiders safety Nate Allen (20) reacts against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Nate Allen solidifies his spot on defense

Raiders safety Nate Allen was limited to special teams prior to rookie Karl Joseph going down with a toe injury in the Raiders’ Week 13 win over the Buffalo Bills. Now seeing snaps on the defensive side of the ball, Allen has flourished in Joseph’s absence.

Allen earned the Raiders’ third-best defensive grade (78.2) filling in for Joseph against Buffalo, led the team with 11 combined tackles against the Kansas City Chiefs in the following week, and again received high praise from PFF.com in his second consecutive start against the Chargers.

The seven-year veteran received an 83.8 overall grade, which ranked third among the Raiders’ defenders. He also contributed five combined tackles and a pass deflection.

Even when Joseph makes his return to the field, he should split reps with Allen given his play in recent weeks.

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