The Las Vegas Raiders have leaned on their defense this season, which has kept them competitive throughout 2023.
All three levels of the defense have played well individually and together, and if they want to make a push for the postseason over the final five games of the season, that will need to continue.
Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham has done a tremendous job getting players to buy into his system and has gotten the most out of this current group. At the bye week, the Raiders most impressive side of the ball has been their defense.
One player who has contributed to that is cornerback Nate Hobbs. While he has still dealt with injuries in 2023, Hobbs has been productive when he is on the field for the Raiders. The third-year man out of Illinois can be a long-term answer as a nickel corner if he can stay healthy.
Through eight games, Hobbs has posted 59 total tackles, five tackles for loss, a sack, six passes defended and an interception. According to Pro Football Focus, Hobbs has been targeted 57 times, allowing 45 completions for 411 yards and two touchdowns.
Against the New York Giants, Hobbs allowed just three completions on nine targets, picking off quarterback Tommy DeVito off a deflected pass. The Raiders’ entire defense played an excellent game against the Giants, and Hobbs contributed to that.
Hobbs has played primarily in the slot this season, lining up for 289 snaps there. He also has the ability to play on the outside, and his interchangeability has been valuable to Graham. He is a good coverage corner, but he is even better against the run. He has the third-highest run defense grade on PFF, just behind Maxx Crosby and Robert Spillane.
The Raiders have played many excellent wide receivers this season, and Hobbs’ play, along with the play of the entire secondary, has been valuable and has allowed the Raiders to remain competitive in games against even the best teams in the league.
Health is the biggest factor for Hobbs, because when he is on the field, he is an impactful defender in the secondary. If the Raiders are going to remain alive in the postseason hunt, they will need Hobbs to remain on the field and to continue to play well.
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.
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