Oakland Raiders: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly Vs. Tennessee Titans

The Bad – D.J. Hayden

The organization has given former first rounder and current bust D.J. Hayden every opportunity to succeed – or at least prove himself to be serviceable – and now in his fourth season, he has failed to produce.

The former starter, turned benchwarmer, turned slot corner, came into this season supposedly a new man. A player ready to have a breakout season. And though many believed Travis Carrie was the better option in the nickel, HC Jack Del Rio and DC Ken Norton Jr. opted to go with Hayden in the role.

For those who think Hayden would be a better pizza delivery man than NFL corner, it seems your belief has been justified.

In limited action so far this season, Hayden has been repeatedly burned. And when he’s managed to avoid being turned into toast, he’s drawing flags. If you’re scoring at home, among cornerbacks, he is currently tied for the NFL lead in the “most flags drawn” category with one defensive holding and two pass interference calls.

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When Hayden subbed in for a benched Sean Smith in week’s one game in New Orleans, he responded by drawing two quick pass interference calls. And he didn’t really fare all that much better against the speedy Saints’ receivers than Smith did.

Against the Titans, Hayden struggled mightily. He gave up big plays to Jace Amaro, Tajae Sharpe, and Harry Douglas. His bad coverage on Amaro helped set up a Tennessee touchdown that drew them to within 17-10.

And on that final drive, his poor coverage allowed Mariota to drive the Titans down to the doorstep. If not for penalties on Taylor Lewan and Andre Johnson, we might be having a very different discussion about the result of that game.

It seems clear to anybody with two eyes and decent eyesight that Hayden is more of a liability on the field than anything. It’s well beyond time that GM Reggie McKenzie own his mistake and send Hayden packing.