A Raiders mailbag writer says Hezekiah Masses should start at corner against New Orleans in Week 3 after intercepting twice in his first start. He expects Darien Porter to share snaps, possibly in a near-even split, as the Raiders assess their longer-term starter.
The writer points to Masses’ ball skills and two stops in run support. Porter allowed one catch on five targets in the opener, according to Pro Football Focus, but has no interceptions in 11 starts. The writer is wary of moving Porter, Masses or Jermod McCoy to nickel, though says trying Masses there may be worthwhile because Taron Johnson has struggled in coverage. With Treydan Stukes out, he floated Johnson at safety, Masses at nickel and Porter outside on passing downs; this is a suggestion, not a reported plan.
In a separate answer, the writer credited defensive coordinator Rob Leonard for the secondary’s improvement, citing a variation of the Seahawks’ defense with complex pattern-matching coverages, stunts and simulated pressures. He said the combination can make quarterbacks hold the ball longer, giving defensive backs more time to reach their assignments.
