Oakland Raiders Defense Ready for Baltimore Ravens

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Sep 25, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans receiver Andre Johnson (81) attempts to catch the ball as Oakland Raiders cornerback David Amerson (29) defends. The Raiders won 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

David Amerson

Coming into the season, many questioned David Amerson with Smith coming over. He played well when the Raiders picked him up last year. But many wondered if it was a fluke and if he could handle playing opposite a shut-down corner.

But Amerson is the guy now as his Pro Football Focus grade is highest at his position. The Saints tried him three times, completing all three but they were short completions. Then the Atlanta Falcons went 2-5 on him and he got an INT on them.

Then the Titans threw at him 11 times, completing for 38 yards, while Amerson broke up five of them. It was smart to pick Amerson up off waivers from Washington but smarter to extend him before this season. They paid a lot more for Smith than they did Amerson.

So far this season Amerson is the shut-down corner instead of Smith. Against the Ravens, I could see him following Steve Smith Sr. or whoever is hurting the Raiders at the time. But Smith appears to have his mojo back so the Raiders may not have to worry about such a thing.

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