Raiders CB David Amerson coming close to start season
ALAMEDA, Calif. — No dramatic correction seems required of David Amerson
The Raiders cornerback has been right there.
In Week 1, he was there at Tennessee Titans wide receiver Corey Davis’ left hip on a 23-yard sideline grab. Davis used his size and timing to high-point the ball. In Week 2, Amerson was right there on both of New York Jets wide receiver Jermaine Kearse’s touchdown grabs. Kearse got away with a push-off on the first. Amerson made a technical but unsuccessful effort to rip out the ball in the second.
Then came Sunday.
“I didn’t know he was on my back like that,” Amerson said Tuesday. “Otherwise I would have attacked it different. I kind of relaxed, letting the ball come down. I’m past that now. I’m onto Denver.”
Indeed, the Raiders are moving forward, starting their team preparation for Sunday’s AFC West game against the Broncos. Oakland has a number of aspects to clean up defensively before then, be it coverage issues that surfaced against tight end Vernon Davis or a failure to contain running back Chris Thompson. Amerson likely isn’t high on the list.
At least, the issue isn’t complex.
He must finish better.
According to Pro Football Focus, Amerson has allowed 10 catches on 17 targets for 176 yards and three touchdowns this season, computing to a 133.8 opposing quarterback rating. But those stats don’t tell the whole story. Amerson has positioned himself well on a number of those receptions.
On Sunday, he lost track of wide receiver Josh Doctson’s body position for a 52-yard touchdown. The score extended Washington’s lead to 21-0 early in the third quarter.
Amerson allowed three catches on the other seven targets in his direction Sunday for 28 yards, per PFF.
“You drill in the finish part,” coach Jack Del Rio said. “Even if you’re not in position, we’re looking for a late win from our DBs on the back end on those balls. He was in perfect position on that (to) high point and pluck it or at least rise up and knock it down. Obviously, I know he’d like to have that one back.
“That was a little bit of a dagger, had a little bit of a dagger feel to it. Though we still did have our chance to get back in it, that was a tough one there.”
The play largely encapsulated Amerson’s season so far.
To reverse the trend, he’s right there.
Notable
— The Raiders held a light walk-through Tuesday that was closed to reporters. It is unclear if wide receiver Michael Crabtree participated. He absorbed a hard hit to his left chest area Sunday during the fourth quarter. He did not return to action but flew back to Oakland with the team.
— The team will resume practice Wednesday afternoon. Afterward, an injury report with player participation levels will be submitted.
Contact reporter Michael Gehlken at mgehlken@reviewjournal.com. Follow @GehlkenNFL on Twitter.
