Tahir Whitehead’s turnaround
If there was a most improved play award given to a Raiders player through Week 14 of the season, that title just might go to Tahir Whitehead. After facing the constant criticism in playing a position that has truly plagued the Raiders for years, Whitehead has made strides.
Per Pro Football Focus, Whitehead finished as the fifth highest graded player on the defensive side of the ball for Oakland. Six solo tackles, four assisted tackles, two pass deflections and a highlight reel interception is what Whitehead accounted for by himself.
He’s racked up double-digit tackles in two of the past three games along with forcing a turnover in back-to-back weeks. His role in the Raiders’ future plans remains to be seen, but Whitehead has proven to have value as the season continues on.