What Nicholas Morrow returning could mean for the Raiders playoff run
The Las Vegas Raiders could be getting Nicholas Morrow back for the Wild Card round, but what does that mean for the defense?
Since joining the Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2017, Nicholas Morrow has become a fan favorite. Morrow became an interesting prospect for the team after coming out of Division III Greenville University after transitioning from Safety to Linebacker.
Morrow offered unique speed and athleticism at the linebacker position that the Raiders had lacked for years. Morrow made the team as a backup and even started a few games his rookie season. With the regime change in 2018, Morrow was once again fighting for his roster spot but won over the new brass for his special teams ability and versatility to play all three linebacker positions.
Morrow largely remained a backup and spot starter for 2018 and 2019 for Jon Gruden and Co., but he continued to play well on Rich Bisaccia’s special teams unit, before being promoted to starter later in 2019. Gruden and the Raiders wound up putting a second-round tender on Morrow, cementing his status as one of the starting linebackers for 2020.
Morrow broke out in 2020 and was easily the best player on a miserable defense, while also becoming a vocal leader.
“We lack the accountability,” Morrow said after the Raiders end of season collapse in 2020. Morrow tested free agency in 2021 but returned to the Raiders where he said he loves to play and Gruden called him a player he loves. The Raiders gave Morrow a significant raise and Defensive Coordinator Gus Bradley reportedly had big plans for Morrow before the linebacker broke his ankle.
It was originally thought that Morrow could return sometime between November and December, but both the Raiders and Morrow’s camp had been quiet about the injury and his progress, however, Morrow finally made his return to practice during the team practice for the playoffs.
What Morrow’s return to the Raiders means
When asked about Morrow’s return, Bradley said Morrow “has worked his tail off” and “we’ll see where he’s at physically in practice this week.”
Morrow’s return could open major possibilities for the Raiders defense that has been improving throughout the year. Morrow was originally slated to be the starting Mike linebacker before his injury, but the team acquired now Pro Bowl linebacker Denzel Perryman to replace Morrow. It is unlikely that Morrow will supplement Perryman, who has been incredible since joining Vegas, but he offers the ability to play all three linebacker positions.
Morrow’s return immediately offers the Raiders an upgrade at multiple positions if he can knock off the rust. Morrow can replace KJ Wright, at least during pass downs, or Divine Deablo. It’s unlikely Morrow will immediately jump into a full-time role over Wright and Deablo who have played very well, but Morrow is the team’s best linebacker outside of Perryman.
Bradley hasn’t been scared to replace high-priced disappointment Cory Littleton, therefore he may get plenty of run. Morrow can also play special teams and his versatility offers him plenty of opportunities to get on the field.
Morrow’s importance and significance may come just simply being back in the locker room. Morrow is a leader of the team and is well-liked on the team and his being back will provide a major boost. Even at his worst, Morrow is better than Kyle Wilber, Marquel Lee, and Patrick Onwuasor.
The athleticism and playmaking that Morrow offers as a rotation linebacker could prove to be fundamental to this defense who is set to face a few high-powered offenses starting with Joe Burrow and Cincinnati. Morrow could be the key to turning this defense into a true playoff unit.