The Raiders secondary has not been good this season. Aside from a few interceptions early in the season, Las Vegas has been on fire through the air. The defense ranks 26th in expected points added against the pass.
Eric Stokes, who signed a new contract with the Raiders in the offseason, was one of the bigger disappointments on the roster. He failed to show that he is a true lead cornerback in the NFL.
Meanwhile, the youngster hasn’t proven to be a good fit at the other cornerback spot. Second-year corner Darien Porter rotates with rookie Hezekiah Masses for the starting corner spot. With both players failing to claim the position, rookie Jermod McCoy is in the mix.
Porter is questionable for Sunday’s game because of a groin injury he suffered in the first game last week. If he can play, he’ll probably be the starter.
“He’s working hard to get back,” head coach Klint Kubiak said of Porter’s week. “He’s making improvements every day.”
But the Raiders have shown they will turn corners. So even if Porter starts, Masses and McCoy will also see the field.
The bigger issue for the Raiders this week is the opponent. Brock Purdy was one of the NFL’s best passers this season. The San Francisco quarterback has 15 touchdowns and four interceptions while ranking third in completion percentage and fourth in yards per attempt. The 49ers passing offense ranks second in expected points added.
Despite the lack of health at wide receiver, the 49ers are still lighting up the secondary.
This week the Raiders are getting some rest. Despite a bye week, the 49ers will be without Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel. Jordan Watkins is the only other receiver with 100 yards on the season, but he only has six catches.
The 49ers did this primarily by using tight end George Kittle and running back Christian McCaffrey. Those two lead the team in targets and receptions. While the Raiders’ struggling defensive backs will have less talented wide receivers to cover, San Francisco’s passing game will still be lethal.
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