Raiders CB Jakorian Bennett just proved he's here to stay in the NFL after a great day vs. Ja'Marr Chase
The Las Vegas Raiders didn't see a ton from Jakorian Bennett in his first year in 2023. But, that's normal for a rookie, let alone a guy chosen on day three of the NFL Draft. But, the cornerback has really made a name for himself this season, and even shown that he is here to […]
The Las Vegas Raiders didn't see a ton from Jakorian Bennett in his first year in 2023. But, that's normal for a rookie, let alone a guy chosen on day three of the NFL Draft. But, the cornerback has really made a name for himself this season, and even shown that he is here to stay in the NFL.
It feels like every time there is a third down stop by this Raiders defense which hasn't happened yet as of late, Bennett is involved in some way, whether it's the tackle or the pass deflection. He is playing off of Jack Jones well, using his speed to remain sticky in coverage, and playing physically. You really can't ask for more from the kid.
His best game of the season may have come against the Los Angeles Rams, where he was stellar, and the stats back it up.
Jakorian Bennett was targeted as the nearest defender in coverage six times against the Rams and only allowed one reception for 11 yards. His 16.7% completion percentage allowed as the nearest defender is tied for the lowest by any Raiders defender with a minimum of five targets over the past two seasons. He was on fire, and that was pretty much similar to how he played on Sunday.
Let's just start by prefacing that no one, and I do mean no one, really shuts down Ja'Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals. You can make things hard on him, but no one really shuts him down.
On Sunday, Bennett definitely made things hard on him. He didn't line up against him every play, but when he did, Chase found himself struggling a few times, including the pass Joe Burrow threw to him in the endzone where Bennett broke it up.
And, that was a third down. Bennett has been doing that on third down all season long.
CB Jakorian Bennett notches his sixth pass defensed on third down in 2024, tied for the most in the NFL.
Chase finished with under 50 receiving yards in seven catches. A lot of that was due to Bennett. He's been great so far, and he's only getting better.
The Raiders have a bye week now, but next week they will play the Miami Dolphins, and then the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs. He's locked in, and he's locking things down.
