Oakland Raiders Week 13 X-Factors against the Kansas City Chiefs

D.J. Swearinger

It’s no secret that the Raiders have struggled to cover tight ends for the last few years, and Travis Kelce has tormented them for years. In 11 career games against the Silver and Black, Kelce has been able to accumulate 55 catches for 755 yards and five touchdowns, including a seven reception, 107 yards, and one touchdown performance in week two.

Clearly, Oakland has a problem stopping the veteran pass-catcher.

Since just about everything the team has tried to do hasn’t slowed down Kelce, defensive coordinator Paul Guenther might as well try to use the new guy, Swearinger. Throughout his career, the safety has been asked to cover multiple positions including tight end and has been successful. For example, last season the veteran allowed a passer rating of 66.7 and 389 yards when targeted.

Swearinger hasn’t had the same success as a Raider but is still reliable in coverage allowing a 91.7 rating and 23 receiving yards. With how much the defense has struggled to cover tight ends, there is no reason for Guenther to at least see what the defensive back can do against Kelce. Who knows, maybe the well-traveled veteran is the solution to the problem that has ailed the Silver and Black for years.