Oakland Raiders at Minnesota Vikings: 3 matchups to watch
By Daniel Davis
Tyrell Williams vs. Xavier Rhodes
Xavier Rhodes is a player which you have to respect. He’s very physical at the line, and Tyrell Williams, last week at least, didn’t seem too motivated to catch that fade throw for a touchdown.
Rhodes will pressure Williams more than he was last week, and like Derek Carr said in training camp, if you’re not here to win, then leave. Rhodes is a two-time Pro Bowl player, and a two-time All-Pro corner. He’s smart, knows how to cover, and will throw you off your routes.
Not only will he be great in man-to-man coverage, he knows how to manipulate the quarterback in Cover 2, where he’s in the flats, and Cover 3 where the corner is in the deep third. Another thing Rhodes does well is finding the ball. He’s very good at watching the quarterback and looking at his eyes along the way.
He can shift his hips in a way that makes Richard Sherman look like a rookie. Rhodes is a fantastic corner and should not be ignored.