Las Vegas Raiders vs. Miami Dolphins: 2021 Week 3 defensive grades
By Nick Bailey
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Miami Dolphins: 2021 Week 3 defensive grades
Cornerbacks
Trayvon Mullen might’ve had the best day of his career so far in this game against the Dolphins, and that’s speaking highly considering just last week he had the first interception for the season. Mullen was the highest-rated Raiders defensive back, allowed four receptions for 34 yards, and had two huge pass breakups towards the end of the fourth quarter, one possibly saving the game at one point.
When the Raiders drafted Mullen in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, this is the player they envisioned Mullen becoming, a true number one corner. Casey Hayward was called old and washed up after he had his worst career year with the Chargers last season, and all that name-calling must’ve rejuvenated him because he has been not only the best corner on the Raiders so far this season, he’s been one of the best in the entire NFL.
This year, he is allowing the second-lowest passer rating of any cornerback in the league, only allowing a 42.2 percentage to opposing quarterbacks. In the first two games, he didn’t even allow a reception,n and he has a monster play early in this one.
His play on Jaylen Waddle in the Dolphins’ end zone resulted in a safety for the defense, finally getting the Raiders on the board.
Nate Hobbs was solid once again, and for a position group that has been a real issue as of late, this is becoming a strength. On Monday night, they get to really test how far they have come, going up against the talented Justin Herbert on the road.
Grade: A