Raiders Take on Bears Rookie Tackle Darnell Wright
The Las Vegas Raiders’ pass rush has been somewhat improved this season but is ready for a big test at Soldier Field against the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
The Raiders have 13 sacks and are on pace to surpass last season’s 27. The Raiders have turned in two excellent defensive performances in the last couple weeks, and it has started up front.
Now, they will head back on the road to take on the Bears, who have struggled in several facets of the gamethis season, including the offensive line’s ability to protect the quarterback.
Chicago Bears rookie OT Darnell Wright is having a terrific freshman campaign.
Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
One player on their offensive line who has been impressive is rookie right tackle Darnell Wrigh, who was the No. 10 overall pick out of Tennessee in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Bears traded with the Philadelphia Eagles to select him.
Wright was immediately inserted into the starting lineup and has played quite well for the first six games. While he has allowed four sacks through six games, Wright has put good play on tape.
At 6-foot-5 and 335 pounds, Wright was one of the best overall athletes in the draft class. He ran a 5.01 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, seventh among offensive linemen. He moves incredibly well for his size, which has shown against NFL competition.
Wright has struggled early in games but improves as they progress. This is a sign of a rookie learning and growing as he gets valuable playing time. Wright still has room to grow as a player, as he came into the draft with raw athletic tools but was not very refined.
Despite being raw, Wright is showing flashes of consistency. His large frame allowed him to become an effective run blocker almost immediately. If he can improve on his pass blocking, the Bears might have their right tackle position locked up.
When he matches up with defensive end Maxx Crosby of the Raiders, Wright will face his toughest test this season. Crosby is on a tear this season, with five and a half sacks and the most pressures among edge players, according to Pro Football Focus.
The Raiders are looking to win their third straight game, and that starts with dominating at the line of scrimmage against Wright and the Bears.
The Silver and Black will head on the road to take on the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Oct. 22, at 1:05 p.m. EDT/10:05 a.m. PDT.
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