Raiders CB Jakorian Bennett Ready to Bounce Back

Originally posted on FanNation Raider Maven
By Ezekiel Trezevant IV | Last updated 12/2/23

The Las Vegas Raiders expected many big things from rookie cornerback Jakorian Bennett. He has flashed his potential and shown a need for improvement in certain areas, which is natural for most rookies.

Bennett had four tackles against the New York Jets but was inactive against the Kansas City Chiefs. Interim Coach Antonio Pierce shared his thoughts on Bennett's absence.

"I think when you're a rookie, you go through the roller coaster, the ups and downs," Pierce said. "He started here at the high, he started playing well, get nicked up a little bit, confidence maybe a play or two here you wish you could take back.

"I think Jakorian [Bennett] has done a really good job of is just being a student of the game. He asks a lot of questions on the side. He's a sponge."

Pierce shared that Bennett being out of the lineup allows him to reset mentally and physically. Now that the Raiders are on their bye week, Bennett can show progress during his time away.

"Sometimes, when you take a step back, it's going to be a positive going forward for us," Pierce said. "And I really think that's going to be the case with JB. He's in good spirits and just stays engaged. Again, every week is a new week, and when we get back, we'll assess it and see how it goes. I'm sure he won't be out of the lineup too long."

Pierce feels Bennett's time away is the result of extra time spent training and the rigors of a young player's physical transition to the NFL.

As a former player, Pierce can relate to Bennett's situation.

"I think it's fine," Pierce said. "I mean, I remember my career; sometimes you need to take a step back and really see the big picture because you get caught up in the mix.

"Look, he's been training since December of last year, almost a full year. Your body is not used to it. The college football season just ended for him. You always hear about that rookie wall, and I think that's real not just physically but mentally as well.

"I think there's nothing wrong with resetting a young player, allowing him to take a step back, to learn from some older guys, get some more coaching time individually, more film study, and then get better on a practice field. And then, hopefully, that shows up on game day."

The bye week came when most would agree that the Raiders could use the time off. Bennett and his teammates look to return fresh and ready to go.

The Silver and Black will return home to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to take on the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, December 10, at 4:05 p.m. EST/1:05 p.m. PST.

This article first appeared on FanNation Raider Maven and was syndicated with permission.

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