Las Vegas Raiders vs. Miami Dolphins: 2021 Week 3 defensive grades

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 26: Cornerback Casey Hayward Jr. #29 of the Las Vegas Raiders high-fives inside linebacker Denzel Perryman #52 after Hayward tackled Jaylen Waddle #17 of the Miami Dolphins in the end zone for a safety during their game at Allegiant Stadium on September 26, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Dolphins 31-28 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Miami Dolphins: 2021 Week 3 defensive grades

Linebackers

Even though two of the Raiders linebackers led the team in total tackles, as Denzel Perryman had 14, and Cory Littleton had ten, they did struggle in pass coverage at the end of the game, which nearly cost the Raiders the victory. Dolphins’ tight end Mike Gesicki continued the torment that opposing tight ends have put the Raiders defense through for years, catching ten balls for 86 yards, mostly while guarded by Perryman and Littleton.

In the fourth quarter was when Gesicki made his biggest impact, including two big first downs, one on a fourth and 20 gaining 27 yards in front of Rookie Devine Deablo, and another first down that was literally an inch or two from being knocked away by Littleton. One surprising takeaway from this game was that KJ Wright wasn’t on the field much at all due to Deablo getting a lot of playing time.

Not sure if that is injury or match-up related, but Wright has been solid since coming on board so that will be a situation to monitor. This is a linebacker group that has been a pleasant surprise this season, especially with so many injuries in the preseason, but a daunting task awaits in the Los Angeles Chargers this Monday night.

Grade: C

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