Las Vegas Raiders: Studs and Duds from Week 2 vs. Steelers

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Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) is tackled by Las Vegas Raiders defensive back Johnathan Abram (24) and cornerback Damon Arnette (right) during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Las Vegas won 26-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Las Vegas Raiders: Studs and Duds from Week 2 vs. Steelers

Studs: Solomon Thomas and the defensive line

Last week the star of the defensive line was Max Crosby as he sacked Lamar Jackson twice and lived in the Ravens backfield. Crosby continued his reign of terror against Pittsburgh but it was Solomon Thomas who got the big stats this week.

Thomas had just six sacks in his first three seasons with the 49ers and he is well on his way to matching that after just one game of meaningful playing time with the Raiders.

Aside from Thomas recording those two sacks, the Raiders got contributions from several other members of the defensive line for a total of 10 QB hits per Espn. Crosby lead the way with five, Thomas next up with three, and Quinton Jefferson had two to round out the group.

There were several near misses for Roethlisberger as the Raiders made his life miserable almost every time he dropped back to pass. The defensive line has gone from a weakness into a strength in just one off-season under Gus Bradley and it should continue to improve as the unit gets more familiar with his scheme.

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