Oakland Raiders: Things To Watch For vs. Cincinnati Bengals

5 of 7

Dec 21, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback T.J. Carrie (38) knocks down a pass intended for Buffalo Bills wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) in the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The Raiders’ Secondary

There is no positional group on the Raiders’ roster that is of more concern right now than Oakland’s secondary. D.J. Hayden, Keith McGill, and Travis Carrie – who will be handling the team’s cornerback duties – have looked less than stellar over the course of the preseason.

Hayden – entering his third season, is the most experienced of the group – has drawn the most criticism for poor play in the preseason. And rightly so. It seemed like when he wasn’t drawing penalties to extend a drive, he was getting torched for a big play and giving up a score.

Live Feed

Packers: 5 defensive players to avoid in 2021 free agency /

Dairyland Express

Carolina Panthers: 3 trade targets from the Jacksonville Jaguars Cat Crave

3 underappreciated Jacksonville Jaguars players for the 2020 season Black and Teal

Jaguars Host Falcons: Three Players To Watch Tonight Black and Teal

Jacksonville Jaguars: Preseason games will determine play time NFL Spin Zone

Was signing D.J. Hayden the riskiest move of the Jacksonville Jaguars offseason? Black and Teal

Needless to say, despite the fact that he’s healthy for the first time in his career, it hasn’t been the best offseason for Hayden. Much more is expected of a first round pick and to date, he’s not come close to living up to it.

In A.J. Green – fresh off a big money extension – Oakland’s young corners are going to have to grow up and get right real, real fast. Green is one of the better receivers in the game and has a habit of making opposing corners look terrible.

Though a strong push by Oakland’s defensive front can help give them some cover, Green is going to get some looks from Dalton. Hayden, McGill, and Carrie are going to have to step up big time and minimize his impact on the game, or it could be a very long day for the Raiders.

Next: Oakland's Offensive Weaponry

Home/Derek Carr