Oakland Raiders: Keisean Nixon steals the show in Winnipeg, Canada

The Oakland Raiders traveled north of the border for their third game of the preseason. In doing so, one of the team’s first-year cornerbacks propelled himself into contention of making a case for the final 53-man roster.

This game got off to a weird start as it was announced just before kickoff that the two teams would play on a 80-yard field, due to concerns of the playing surface. By doing so, the 10-yard line was then converted into the new goal line for last night’s game.

Despite the focus placed on the field conditions, Raiders cornerback Keisean Nixon stole the show. With roster cuts approaching, it’s crucial this time of year for players who are on the roster bubble to show-out every opportunity they get.

That can certainly be said for Nixon, as he put together a solid performance against the Green Bay offense. Nixon excelled in man coverage on the outside, showing he can hang with larger body receivers. His frame is more built to handle opposing wideouts in the slot, but in last nights game he made it clear that he can handle either task.

Nixon didn’t record an interception, however, he had the opportunity to do so twice if he had turned his head around and played the ball in the air. Regardless, he locked down his side of the field without giving up any chunk plays. He also saw some time at gunner on the special teams unit, providing Rich Bisaccia with a speedster who can get down the field in a timely manner.

Throughout preseason play, slot cornerback Nick Nelson has scuffled, putting his spot on the roster in jeopardy. With Nixon now emerging as someone who could crack the roster, it looks like that last cornerback spot on the roster will come down to one of these two.

Nixon wasn’t on many’s radar once the team reported for training camp, but since then, he’s been coming on strong. He thrived at the University of South Carolina, posting 63 total tackles and earning Jim Carlen Special Teams Player of the Spring honors with an invite to the East-West Shrine game.

Time will tell if Jon Gruden wants to keep the former Gamecock in his future plans at cornerback. Nixon will more than likely see extended time in preseason game No.4, which will be another opportunity for him to show his coverage skills against the Seattle Seahawks.