Can Raiders Get Tyree Wilson Going Vs. Chargers?
The Las Vegas Raiders are looking to win their second game of the season on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers at Sofi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.
The Raiders need to be able to win games in the trenches, and that includes the defensive line getting pressure. Defensive end Maxx Crosby is off to his typical start, wrecking offensive tackles and getting into the backfield, but he needs help.
One player who has not yet provided him with that help is the Raiders' 2023 NFL Draft first-round pick, defensive end Tyree Wilson, who is taking on the responsibility across from Crosby which, after recovering from a foot injury this offseason, is not an easy task.
Despite that, Wilson has not produced on the field in any capacity so far. According to Pro Football Focus, he has created only one quarterback hurry, no quarterback hits and no sacks. He has just only total tackles. Wilson has the lowest PFF grade of all rookies so far this season at 36.2.
So why is Wilson struggling so badly? Looking back to his pre-draft profile, one of the main concerns about Wilson was his lack of pass rushing moves and the ability to win at the point of attack without relying on his size and athleticism. He is 6-foot-6 and 275 pounds with great explosiveness, but it has not translated into anything positive so far this season.
When offensive linemen know how to handle players with size and strength and no pass rushing moves, that player becomes ineffective. That is what is happening with Wilson right now, but he was always viewed as a raw pass rusher who needed time to develop. He has just been thrust into action a little bit sooner than he was ready for.
With the Raiders set to take on the Chargers, it could be a chance for Wilson to try to break out. The Chargers have one of the league’s best offensive lines, so it would be a challenge.
As Wilson looks to continue his development as a pass rusher, the Raiders are hoping he can show more and more progress as the season goes on.
The Silver and Black return to the road this week in Inglewood, Calif., to play the Los Angeles Chargers (1-2) on Sunday, Oct. 1, at 4:05 p.m. EDT/1:05 p.m. PDT.
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