The Las Vegas Raiders defense has been turning heads in the summer as all reports have them playing much faster and aggressive.
Part of that change is Marcus Peters who has already started to influence the team with his energy and attitude. The Raiders and Peters always seemed like a match made in heaven, and the team is already reaping the benefits of having him on the roster.
For the 2023 season, Peters will don No. 24 and Charles Woodson discussed the meaning and legacy behind the number and how much he’s looking forward to seeing Peters play via Paul Gutierrez of ESPN:
“Well, I came here and I got indoctrinated to the 24,” Woodson said. “And Willie Brown was really adamant, you know, about me wearing the 24. But it’s not necessarily just about the 24; it’s the lineage of defensive backs here. You take a lot of pride in representing and trying to go out there and be the best defensive back in the game because that’s what those guys represented.
“You had Willie Brown, Mike Hayes, Lester Hayes. But Willie Brown was like the Godfather. So having that 24 on, it really meant a lot. And so, I know Marcus Peters, he feels the same way. He grew up a Raiders fan, so he knows all about the history of the Raiders. So I’m happy to have a guy that knows how to make plays in that number. I can’t wait to see what he does this year.”
Although Peters’ play declined in 2022 due to the torn ACL he suffered in 2021, his reputation on the field is still intact given Woodson’s comments. At this point of his career, though, it’s hard to imagine the veteran replicating the production his predecessors had in the Silver and Black.
Regardless of whether or not Peters returns to form, he’s undoubtedly already made an impact on the organization and will have a large role on the defense throughout the year.
Aidan O’Connell downplays wearing Derek Carr’s No. 4
While Peters will wear No. 24, rookie Aidan O’Connell will be rocking No. 4 on the field. O’Connell has been impressing in training camp and preseason, but fans have surely taken note of seeing him wear Derek Carr’s old number.
It’s certainly an odd look to see someone wearing No. 4 so soon, but O’Connell downplayed any significance behind the jersey.
