The Las Vegas Raiders are currently on their bye week, preparing to close out the final five games of the season.
The Raiders are currently 5-7 and have some work to do if they want to get back into the hunt for the postseason in the AFC. There are several teams in front of them, so the Raiders are going to have to win games.
In the offseason, the Raiders signed several free agents they expected to make an impact on both sides of the ball. Under interim head coach Antonio Pierce, the Raiders have seen improvement offensively and defensively.
One player who has proven to be an impact free agent signing is safety Marcus Epps. After signing a two-year, $12 million contract with the Silver and Black in March, Epps has been a stabilizing presence on the back end of Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham’s unit.
The Raiders were looking to pair Tre’von Moehrig with an experienced safety who could be a guiding presence as well, and that’s what Epps has provided for him and the Raiders. The two developed great chemistry throughout the offseason, and it has shown on the field this season.
Through 12 games this season, Epps has posted 47 total tackles, three tackles for loss, one pass defended and a fumble recovery. According to Pro Football Focus, Epps has played the fourth-most snaps on the Raiders’ defense with 723.
He has been targeted 16 times and allowed 13 receptions for 117 yards and a touchdown, but that touchdown came in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos, and he has not allowed one since.
Epps is a cerebral, high-IQ player who thrives in both run and pass defense, and that has been evident this season. His presence has helped Moehrig have a bounce back season after a rough 2022 season.
The Raiders brought in Epps with the hopes he would stabilize their secondary and be a veteran presence, and he has done just that. He has another year on his contract, so the Raiders are hoping he can continue to be a great presence on and off the field.
If the Raiders want to make a push for the postseason, Epps’ play is going to be a crucial part of that.
The Silver and Black will return home to Allegiant Stadium to take on the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, December 10, at 4:05 p.m. EST/1:05 p.m. PST.
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