It’s only Week 5, but plays such as the one by Jerry Tillery last Sunday cannot be tolerated by the Las Vegas Raiders moving forward. A lapse in discipline will undermine progress being made, especially for a defense that’s trending upward.
Chalking up Week 4 as just another loss for the Silver and Black would be shortsighted. The defense really had one of the best outings that we’ve seen in some time. As our own Alex Monfreda recently broke down, the Raiders held Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert to some all-time lows. In particular, Herbert had the lowest passing yards total for his career and the lowest completion percentage since 2021. Additionally, Las Vegas has fielded multiple defensive players who have earned a 90+ grade since the ’21 season.
Should the Raiders have cut Jerry Tillery?
After dropping another game, the focus on the Raiders was Tillery’s boneheaded play. Let’s call it what it is: dirty play, not late—dirty. Following the game, several players on the Chargers echoed that sentiment, including Asante Samuel Jr. However, Tillery himself didn’t see it that way; he went as far as expressing his adoration for Herbert.
“It wasn’t some malicious play. It wasn’t dirty. The player, specifically, is a dear friend of mine. I love Justin.”
Right now, the Raiders seem to have found their way on defense. Arguably feeling his seat get warm, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham opened up the gates, and in turn, we saw potential in Week 4. Still, it will all be for naught if Tillery remains with the team. From 2020 through the 2022 season, Tillery amassed 19 penalties, the latest one being the second-most egregious of his Raiders tenure. How much longer before the former Charger defensive tackle loses his cool again?
We all know Jerry Tillery means well; he even reportedly apologized to Herbert following the game. Mark our words: Tillery will cost the Raiders once again this season, sooner or later.
More must-reads: