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Raiders Opponent Breakout Player: Trent McDuffie

Originally posted on FanNation Raider Maven
By Carter Landis | Last updated 11/22/23

The Las Vegas Raiders have faced several good defenses this season, which has made it difficult to get their offense going for most of the year.

They will face another good defense when they welcome the Kansas City Chiefs to Allegiant Stadium for their first match-up of the year. The Chiefs usually beat teams with their offense, but their defense has been the most impressive this season.

Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has done an excellent job in the past few seasons, orchestrating a tough, aggressive defense that shuts down opposing teams. They have elite talent at all three levels, and it is evident every week.

One player who has broken out this season and cemented himself as a franchise cornerstone is cornerback Trent McDuffie. McDuffie is having a very good second season in the league, becoming one of the NFL’s top corners.

McDuffie was the No. 21 overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Washington. His production has increased significantly from his rookie season, and he was also considerably productive that year.

In 11 games last season, McDuffie posted 44 total tackles, a tackle for loss, a sack, and seven passes defended. In just ten games this season, McDuffie already has 55 total tackles, two tackles for loss, two sacks, five passes defended, and five forced fumbles.

According to Pro Football Focus, McDuffie has been targeted 46 times and has allowed 32 receptions for 333 yards. He fits perfectly in Spagnuolo’s system, which calls for many corner blitzes, and McDuffie has been happy to oblige.

He picked up two sacks against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night and was a terror in their backfield constantly at 5-foot-11 and 193 pounds. McDuffie is a good cover corner, but his physicality and aggressiveness from the secondary give him an edge and are a massive boost for the Chiefs’ defense.

The Raiders are trying to find consistency on offense this season, and that will prove difficult against McDuffie and the Chiefs. Spagnuolo is likely to send McDuffie after Aidan O’Connell to try to disrupt the young quarterback’s rhythm.

The Raiders will have to find ways to neutralize McDuffie’s impact on the game, but since he has become such a big part of what the Chiefs do defensively, that will not be easy to do.

The Silver and Black will return home next week to celebrate Thanksgiving and take on their AFC West rival, the Kansas City Chiefs, on Sunday, November 26, at 4:25 p.m. EST/1:25 p.m. PST.

This article first appeared on FanNation Raider Maven and was syndicated with permission.

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