The Raiders have seen quality play from their linebackers with Germaine Pratt and Devin White consistently starting and playing at a strong quality of play at the second level. In addition to white, veteran Elandon Roberts has played well against the run though he does have his struggles at times with tackling which has limited how often he sees the field. White and Pratt have taken majority of the snaps for Las Vegas, and both have started all three games, where White has quickly logged 25 tackles,
4 TFL, 8 stops, and a 81.3 QBR allowed in 187 snaps though he’s also coming off his worst game of the season vs Washington where he missed 37.5% of his tackles. Pratt has played at the level the Raiders were hoping he can return to following his release in Cincinnati. The veteran has been a standout in coverage allowing a 83.5 QBR and 2 PBU while adding 3 stops, 17 tackles, and 2 TFL as well in 165 snaps. As for Roberts, the veteran run defender has logged just 81 snaps but has been highly productive with 5 stops, 11 tackles, and 2 TFL. Despite all the success from the Raiders linebackers, one hasn’t seen the field often and is likely deserving of more play time.
Jamal Adams has logged just 59 snaps for Las Vegas and has seen his snap count drop each week from 25 in week 1, 19 in week 2, and eventually 15 in week 3. Despite this, Adams has stayed productive allowing just 11 yards on 3 targets with a PBU with another 6 stops, 8 tackles, 2 TFL, 2 pressures, and a quarterback hit. Adams’ 6 stops rank 2nd on the Raiders tied with Maxx Crosby (186 snaps), Jonah Laulu (101 snaps), and Adam Butler (145 snaps). Adams has also been good in coverage, which plays similar to his pro bowl days where he played well in short coverage drops that allowed for him to maintain his eyes on the quarterback and also work laterally at quick bursts. The Raiders have deployed a variety of defenders around the defense, with Jeremy Chinn logging 82 snaps at SS, 53 at FS, and 51 at nickel corner. Meanwhile, the Raiders have also deployed Adams in a similar fashion playing him nearly 75% of the time in the slot, when Chinn plays a deep strong safety role. Las Vegas has kept Adams closer to the line of scrimmage, where he’s played 0 snaps at free safety and only 11 at strong safety. While not a perfect interpretation, Adams is also the teams highest graded player on defense ranking 9th among all NFL linebackers (86.5), 7th pass rushing (83.7), 41st against the run (70.6), and 9th in coverage (81.6). His 6 stops are tied for 24th in the NFL as well.
Adams has consistently popped on film as well quickly diagnosing the run and being able to make plays in space. He’s played stout run defense vs offensive lineman and is able to hold his own at the second level and work upfield. Additionally, Adams shows the coverage traits he’s shown in flashes while working at the 2nd level which allows for him to eliminate the struggles he had on 15+ yard coverage assignments. The Raiders have used Jamal Adams in a variety of roles, and he’s excelled. Despite the Raiders quality play at linebacker, they need to find a way to continue getting Adams on the field and allow more athleticism at the second level in order to prevent their struggles in 10-15 yard coverage assignments where Las Vegas is among the worst in the NFL in terms of allowed reception rate, yardage, and 3rd down conversions.
