Second-year cornerback taking advantage of opportunity
Through free agency, the draft and late into the offseason, there was a lot of talk that the Las Vegas Raiders needed to shore up their cornerback position with some veteran presences.
But, for the most part, the team stuck with their young cornerbacks. While it’s still early, young outside cornerbacks Jack Jones and Jakorian Bennett are paying the team’s brass back for the faith the team has showed in them.
Both Jones and Bennett have played well thus far. Both players made key plays late in the Raiders’ 26-23 upset win at the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.
Las Vegas head coach Antonio Pierce is excited by what he’s seeing from the pair.
“I think the confidence is growing. The more and more you can make plays with the ball in the air the better,” Pierce said. “I love where JB [Jakorian Bennett] has gotten to. He was kind of a grabby player last year getting some penalties uncalled for, and now he’s just trusting his technique. Obviously, he can run with everybody, 4.2-4.3 speed there. But just the ability to play the ball down the field. Each and every time he makes a play that’s more confidence for us. And obviously with Jack Jones, confidence is not an issue. It’s just staying with technique and staying within the scheme.”
If these two can continue to grow throughout the season, it will be a big boost for a strong defense.