Tape Don’t Lie: Trevon Moehrig

A look at Trevon Moehrig’s progress through 5 weeks

Everyone said free safety was a glaring need on defense. With the Raiders coming off a terrible statistical year defensively in 2020, the sense among fans and pundits was that acquiring a true coverage safety was of upmost importance going forward.

Gus Bradley was hired as the defensive coordinator and brought with him a single high scheme. With the Free Safety integral in defending the deep passing game, it became a requirement. Not just anybody, but an impactful player deep in the post.

When the Raiders selected Trevon Moehrig in the second round this past off-season, he was immediately penciled in as the starter. While he has had a few rookie bumps in the road, his presence has helped the defense allow only 205.4 yards passing a game (3rd best in the league) while allowing only 15 plays of 20 or more yards (Tied for 4th best).

How much of those numbers can be directly attributed to Moehrig? Football is a team sport after all, but he has put himself in a good position against the pass through 5 weeks of NFL action.

Moehrig is gradually getting to the point where he can take some calculated guesses, anticipate and break on routes before the QB gets the ball out. Anticipating and jumping in front of receivers was one of his calling cards as a collegiate defensive back. Now that he is settling in, perhaps we will see an interception coming soon for the young defensive back.