Raiders CB Nate Hobbs shines in Week 1 loss vs. Chargers
In a 24-19 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, the Las Vegas Raiders had a bright spot: cornerback Nate Hobbs.
The second-year player rose to the occasion, making plays all over the field. He had nine tackles, two for losses. The biggest highlight came in the fourth quarter when he broke up a Justin Herbert pass on a crucial third down.
The stellar performance was no surprise for those following Hobbs, who had a strong offseason.
"Hobbs didn’t back down from the challenge of covering Davante Adams in practice, and he loves the relentless toughness of the new cornerbacks on the roster," wrote Vic Tafur of The Athletic ahead of the regular season.
Hobbs is one of the standouts on the Raiders' defense, along with Pro Bowl defensive linemen Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones. Hobbs, who played at Illinois, serves as the face of the team's secondary. His development and potential dominance were likely the main reasons Las Vegas was comfortable moving on from cornerback Trayvon Mullen.
After a solid rookie year, Hobbs is expected to have a breakout season. Adding to the belief, Pro Football Focus' Sam Monson writes, "Hobbs has the talent to be one of the best slot corners in the league, and that could see him find a spot in the Pro Bowl."
Hobbs showcased his talents in a Week 1 loss. In Week 2 in Las Vegas, the Raiders play the Cardinals and quarterback Kyler Murray, the NFL's third-highest paid quarterback.
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