Oakland Raiders: Reasons To Be Excited And Concerned After First Game

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Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback D.J. Hayden (25) interferes on a pass intended for Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) in the third quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 47-14. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Concerned – D.J. Hayden

To be perfectly blunt, Hayden has been a concern for the Raiders’ defense for three seasons now. This is the year he is supposed to put up or shut up. And given the fact that McKenzie opted to go with his three young corners rather than signing a veteran free agent, Hayden is being given the chance to prove himself and prove that he can be the top flight cornerback the Raiders thought they were getting when the drafted him twelfth overall in 2013.

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In his two full seasons in the NFL, Hayden has spent just as much time on the sidelines as he has on the field. Injuries have limited him to just 18 of a possible 32 games in his young NFL career. And when he has been able to be on the field, he’s shown flashes of how good he can be, but he’s also demonstrated a maddening inconsistency and inclination to give up the big play.

This year, Hayden is healthy and in regard to this year, said:

"“My mind-set this year I am just going full-force. Whether I make a mistake or not, I am going to do it full speed. Last year, I was hesitant about making mistakes. This year, I don’t give a damn.”"

And Oakland certainly didn’t have to wait very long for Hayden to make a full force mistake against the Rams. On the game’s opening play, Rams quarterback Nick Foles burned Hayden for a 26 yard completion to wideout Lance Kendricks.

Hayden rebounded and in his remaining time on the field, didn’t give up another big play, and in fact, made a nice play or two. But the fact that he got burned so bad on the opening play – and given Oakland’s very serious concerns about their young cornerbacks already – is a cause for concern.

Hayden’s performance over the balance of the exhibition season will be worth watching. In many ways, the defense is relying on Hayden, Keith McGill, and Travis Carrie to perform. If those three falter, the defense could be in a lot of trouble.

Next: In Conclusion