Las Vegas vs 49ers 2022 Week 17: 3 Raiders to watch
Las Vegas vs 49ers 2022 Week 17: 3 Raiders to watch
Nate Hobbs
Nate Hobbs has been a fan favorite ever since he had a fantastic rookie season last year. Raider Nation has had perpetual PTSD from many things over the years, with terrible play from the corners and defensive backs alike being a top one.
Nate Hobbs brings a type of physicality and swagger that the Raiders have missed at the position. Many have tried to be that guy, but Hobbs has shown that he can back it up. Unfortunately, this season he has been plagued by somewhat of a sophomore slump and some injury issues.
Since coming back from the hand injury that put him on the IR, Hobbs has come into his own a little bit. Playing alongside Amik Robertson, the tandem has played very well in the last few weeks. Hobbs has amassed 27 tackles, 22 of which were solo, and a fumble recovery on 96%+ of defensive snaps over the previous 4 games since being activated.
This week might be one of the most important and difficult games of the year for Hobbs. With Denzel Perryman being put on IR after an injury last week, Hobbs could see some time in the box as more of a CB/LB hybrid. Add to that the 49ers might be getting back WR Deebo Samuel, who is trending towards playing after being out because of an ankle/knee injury.
We could see Hobbs shadowing Samuel because he possesses the size and physicality to match up against him. Samuel is used very often as a running back and gadget player, who poses more of an issue within the box/down the middle of the field than on the outside.
There are plenty of weapons on the 49ers’ side of the ball that the whole defense is going to have to worry about. Look for Hobbs to spearhead the physical attack it’s going to take to limit this red-hot offense.
For more Raiders news, follow the link and check out the Raider Take Podcast