Dakota Allen
Earlier this week Oakland plucked the former Last Chance U star from the Rams practice squad. Typically when a player is acquired from another team’s practice squad, the expectation is he will ride the bench at first. However, with a depleted linebacking corp, Allen will likely be thrust into action against the Colts.
A general rule of thumb is if a player enters the game off the bench and/or is a relative unknown, as a play caller you target that player instantly. It’s like being a bully on the playground; you have to pick on the new kid. As soon as Allen enters the game, he should expect to be targeted, especially with Eric Ebron on the other side of the ball.
Last season was a breakout year for Ebron, as he accumulated 750 receiving yards and had the most touchdowns at his position with 13. For the last few years Oakland has struggled to cover tight ends and when they played Indy last season, Ebron, Doyle and Allie-Cox put up 10 catches for 133 yards and three touchdowns. All three of those players are back this season and with how thin the Raiders are at linebacker, tight ends will be a big piece of Indianapolis’ game plan.
The good news for the Silver and Black, coverage is one of Allen’s strengths. In the preseason, the Texas Tech product was targeted 15 times, but only surrendered 65 yards. Obviously, he will be facing stiffer competition this week, but he might be the Raiders best shot at slowing down the Colts three-headed monster at tight end.