Raiders Opponent Underrated Player: Kyle Dugger

The Las Vegas Raiders will take on the New England Patriots on Sunday and face one of the most underrated safeties in the NFL -- Kyle Dugger.

The Las Vegas Raiders will host a struggling New England Patriots team at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sunday.

The Patriots were once the most dominant force in the NFL, but have made the postseason just once since the departure of legendary quarterback Tom Brady. The Patriots have been searching for their identity since Brady left New England in 2020.

One area where New England always is sharp is on defense. The Patriots have performed exceptionally well this season defensively, coming within five points of the Philadelphia Eagles and holding the high-scoring Miami Dolphins to 24 points.

A massive part of their defensive success has been their secondary. The Patriots have allowed the sixth-fewest passing yards in the league this season, and one of the top players in their defensive backfield is safety Kyle Dugger.

Dugger, a second-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft out of NCAA Division II Lenoir-Rhyne, has been a consistent force for the Patriots’ defense since he joined the team. In 2021, Dugger posted 92 total tackles, five tackles for losses, five passes defended and four interceptions.

Dugger is off to a good start this season, posting 36 tackles, three tackles for losses and two passes defended through five games, earning a 68.4 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.

Dugger has played strong safety throughout his career in New England. At 6-foot-2 and 222 pounds, he possesses elite physical and athletic traits that allow him to close quickly on tackles against ball carriers and consistently make plays on the ball.

In last year’s game against the Raiders, Dugger had his best game of the season, earning a 91.9 overall PFF grade for his efforts after making six total tackles and a pick-six.

Dugger is not often considered among the elite safeties of the NFL, but his recent play may soon insert him into the conversation. While he plays for a 1-4 team and has not had an interception this season, Dugger’s impact in the Patriots’ secondary is undoubtedly felt by those who play against them.

Coach Josh McDaniels will have his hands full of game planning for Dugger, as he can beat teams by stopping the run and in coverage. 

The Raiders must always know where he is to avoid the risk of Dugger making a play.

The Silver and Black will stay home at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to play the New England Patriots on Sunday, Oct. 15, at 4:05 p.m. EDT/1:05 p.m. PDT.

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