Las Vegas Raiders: 4 defensive players who impressed in Week 2
By CJ Errickson
The Las Vegas Raiders suddenly have a defense that can get stops and turnovers, and these four players stood out in Week 2.
The Las Vegas Raiders victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers showed off the team’s new-look defense. Gus Bradley’s unit showed poise and relentlessly harassed Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger all afternoon long, and these are just a few of the defensive players that stood out for the Silver and Black.
Las Vegas Raiders: 4 defensive players who impressed in Week 2
Casey Hayward Jr, Cornerback
This past offseason, the Raiders made only one free agent signing at the cornerback position, and Casey Hayward Jr. made his presence felt on Sunday versus the Steeler receivers.
This PBU ultimately prevented a touchdown that could’ve had a definitive impact on the overall outcome of the game. But, not only was there that play, but Hayward also showed exceptional mental processing in this near interception.
Moving forward, he will be a pivotal piece in the team’s secondary as his high-level play is more than welcome.
Solomon Thomas, Defensive Tackle
Like Casey Hayward Jr, Solomon Thomas was also another veteran Las Vegas signed this past offseason as a free agent. Versus the Black and Gold, Thomas racked up two sacks and was an integral part in limiting their rushing attack to under forty total yards on the afternoon.
It seems that the change of scenery for Thomas is doing its part. He brought a strong presence on the interior of the Raiders’ defensive front Sunday afternoon, which helped the last player on this list to thrive.
Maxx Crosby & Yannick Ngakoue, Edge Defenders
Eerily similar to last week, the Silver and Black’s edge rushers were seemingly in the backfield all day long. Although neither had any sacks, both Maxx Crosby and Yannick Ngakoue still made their presence felt on Sunday afternoon.
More importantly, the duo was able to force Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger into throwing this interception. In conclusion, the pair has started off the season on fire in two games played, and hopefully, the momentum and effort can be sustained throughout the season.