Raiders’ Rookie Hezekiah Masses Gets Wakeup Call Against Chiefs

One key to Masses’ hype is his three interceptions. Anytime a defender can take the ball away in a consistent manner, he is going to be a critical part of the defense. While Masses deserves praise for picking off quarterbacks, the actual plays were not spectacular. 

His first career interception came after he was beaten by Chargers’ tight end David Njoku. But Njoku bobbled the pass and deflected it up in the air for Masses to snag. It was a poor play from Masses that turned into an interception because of Njoku’s awful hands. 

Masses’ interception against the Saints was another case of simply being in a good spot on a broken play. Tyler Shough was hit by Malcolm Koonce as he tried to throw the ball. Saints’ tight end Juwan Johnson was behind Masses. But due to the hit, the ball floated right to Masses. 

On two of the plays that earned Masses early season praise, he let a receiver get behind him and then benefit from a ball hanging in the air above him. Neither of those plays is a sign that Masses will be a ball magnet in his career. 

Last season at Cal, Masses was a magnet. He led all of college football in passes defended. He has a history of being around the ball. While that may not be the best sign for a cornerback – since he is being thrown at frequently –  it could be a sign that Masses can keep getting his hands on the football in his pro career. 

Darien Porter’s Role

The Raiders chose Darien Porter to start at cornerback in Week 1. But after he left that game with an injury and missed Week 2, Masses took the starting job. Porter returned, but isn’t seeing the field. He only played three defensive snaps on Sunday. 

Porter hasn’t done much to claim the starting role. However, if Masses continues to get picked on, the coaching staff can pivot back to the player they thought was better than Masses just four weeks ago.