Pittsburgh Steelers at Oakland Raiders: 5 takeaways from Week 14

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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 09: Linebacker Tahir Whitehead #59 of the Oakland Raiders intercepts a pass intended for wide receiver Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at O.co Coliseum on December 9, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-21. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /

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.

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