The Las Vegas Raiders defense has been one of the worst units in recent seasons and entering the 2023 season that might remain the same.
Outside of Maxx Crosby, the Raiders lack many true difference-makers on that side of the field though the hope is that internal improvement from its young talent pool changes that. The secondary has been a particular area of struggle as Las Vegas has often been susceptible to allowing chunk plays through the air.
In order to address the lack of experience and depth in their secondary, the Raiders finally went out and signed veteran Marcus Peters to a one-year deal. Las Vegas was heavily linked to Peters throughout free agency, and the two sides made it official right before the start of training camp.
Peters has never backed down from the player across from him and in practice he will likely see plenty of Davante Adams. Adams has played against Peters several times in the past and discussed what his new teammate can bring to the table.
“Yeah, I mean, obviously you got to be a smart player to be able to be on defense and catch the ball as many times as he has in his career,” Adams said. “It doesn’t happen, which means it’s not just going to go out there and happen again just because he’s had it in the past. You got to still come in and do the right things. But I’ve known Marcus for a long time. We’re not family, but we’ve kind of got the same family. So, I’ve been a fan of his game for a while and being from the same area, I’m definitely rooting for him to have a great year.”
A true ball hawk, Peters has always had a knack for reading opposing quarterbacks and jumping passes though injuries have slowed him down. The cornerback missed the entirety of the 2021 season due to a torn ACL, and although he returned in 2022, he had quite the down year as he only manage to come down with one interception.
Two seasons removed from his ACL injury, though, might mean Peters is due for a bounce-back year. His presence on the field should help the Raiders though how much remains to be seen.
Maxx Crosby reacts to Marcus Peters signing
Crosby will have some help in the leadership department now that Peters is in the fold and the star defensive end had just one word to describe the defensive back.
