Buster: CB Lamarcus Joyner

Not once was Joyner named a “Baller.” The biggest free-agent acquisition the Raiders and the best he could do was to not be the weakest link on the defense. He was a “Buster” eight times, and “Top Buster” other three times. We’re talking about a player who was only playing nickel because he was supposed to be the best option in the slot, as opposed to safety. He had no interceptions and just three pass breakups all season.

Buster: LB Tahir Whitehead

At a tumultuous position overall, Whitehead was supposed to be the closest thing the team had to stability. And that is not a great state of affairs. Whitehead was a “Buster” five times this season, and once a “Top Buster.”

To be fair, Whitehead was not always put in the best position for success. For instance, he was often dropped into zone coverage and found himself covering the opposing team’s top receivers. That’s a mismatch that was often exploited.

But in case you thought all his troubles were a product of the defensive, you need only look at what Will Compton was able to do when he was inserted into the starting lineup. Compton was shedding tackles regularly and finding the ball on runs you typically see Whitehead unable to make a play.

[lawrence-newsletter]