The team’s pass defense was a huge liability for this team last season. Despite signing cornerbacksDavid AmersonandSean Smithto lucrative deals – as well as adding safetyReggie Nelsonto that defensive backfield – Oakland fielded one of the absolute worst pass defenses in all of football.
Now, nobody is suggesting that Borders, the UDFA out of Duke, could step in and be the answer to all the secondary’s woes, but he could have contributed. Especially given how porous and inconsistent that secondary has been throughout the summer.
First-round Draft pickGareon Conleyis back practicing and some signs point to him being ready for the season opener – though, that’s far from a guarantee at this point. Even if Conley is good to go though, after missing all of training camp and the exhibition season while nursing an injury, how effective is he going to be? And How soon?
Add to that, the concussion suffered by Amerson, the ineffectiveness of Smith (not to mention his pending legal problems and the potential for league discipline), and the fact thatTravis Carriewas getting lit up like a Christmas tree play after play after play, and it would be fair to say that this cornerbacks group could very well be in a little bit of trouble.
Which is where Borders could have come in handy. While they also retainedDexter McDonaldandAntonio Hamilton, the argument can be made that Borders outplayed them both.
While he could definitely use a little more seasoning, Borders flashed some serious ability. And given the struggles of the secondary, he potentially could have provided some help.
Having cleared waivers, Borders landed on Oakland’s practice squad, so it’s possible we’ll see him again this season.
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