Tag: Nate Hobbs

Chargers’ reasons for optimism vs. Raiders in Week 1

Here are four reasons for optimism for the Chargers as they face the Raiders on Sunday afternoon.

Yesterday, I brought up four reasons to be concerned about the Chargers’ season opener against the Raiders on Sunday.

Let’s flip the script.

Here are some reasons to be optimistic about the rivalry game:

Reinforcements on the defensive line

Last season’s Week 18 game against the Raiders was marred by the sight of running back Josh Jacobs gashing the Chargers up the middle over and over again. That loss knocked Los Angeles out of the playoffs, forcing them to respond in kind. With at least two new starters on the defensive line – Sebastian Joseph-Day and Austin Johnson – as well as Morgan Fox and Otito Ogbonnia, two potential rotational pieces, the Bolts figure to be a much-improved run defense. That should allow them to commit fewer bodies to the run, further clogging passing lanes for quarterback Derek Carr.

Khalil Mack’s talent

In the pass rush department, the Chargers sometimes struggled to generate pressure when Joey Bosa was shut down. This time around, double-teaming Bosa is less of an option. With Mack rushing from the other side, one of LA’s studs will be one-on-one with the Raiders’ offensive line. That line, it must be said, looks rough on paper. That could force Las Vegas to keep an extra blocker in during passing situations, or at least use an extra player to chip Bosa or Mack. Carr is historically a much worse quarterback when under pressure, and the threat of Bosa and Mack could make him quite jittery in the pocket.

Favorable wide receiver matchups

The Raiders are thin in the secondary, with 2021 fifth-rounder Nate Hobbs and former Colt Rock Ya-Sin listed as their starters to open the season. That should open opportunities for wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams to keep the ball moving. Josh Palmer should also have a big role, in which case Allen will likely operate out of the slot. We’ve seen Justin Herbert’s chemistry with all three receivers build in training camp, and with a weak secondary in Vegas, the Chargers’ offense shouldn’t have many issues driving down the field, at least in theory.

Year 2 in the offense

One of the main themes in training camp from the Chargers was the belief that the offense was going to open up this year with additional comfort in the system. Herbert’s sophomore season was, of course, phenomenal, but there seems to be a feeling that his success came from an almost robot-like precision when operating within the confines of the offense. This season, Herbert will almost certainly be given more freedom to be a creator rather than offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi’s superpowered on-field avatar. While that may lead to a few kinks early in the season, Herbert has shown that he has the talent to warrant that kind of trust.

Raiders asking a lot of CB Nate Hobbs and he is stepping up to the challenge

Raiders are challenging 2nd year CB Nate Hobbs but no one is challenging him more than himself

No one who has watched Nate Hobbs since his rookie year should be surprised by his play. Hobbs is bonafide gamer, who came in like gangbusters as a rookie fifth round pick to lock down the slot cornerback job. Now the Raiders are asking what else he can do for them.

Hobbs has been moved around a lot in camp as several of his teammates and coaches have noted. 

“We see Nate as a football player,” said DB coach Jason Simmons. “That’s why you see Nate being moved around to utilize multiple positions. He’s also an aggressive player. He’s a competitive player. He wants to do more. He wants to learn; he is a true spark.”

Recently Hobbs said he will have a chip on his shoulder his whole life, due to always being counted out. That gives an idea of where he gets his competitiveness. It also shows why he has reason to believe in himself entirely, because of how many times he’s proven those around him wrong.

That competitiveness shows up most when DaVante Adams steps to the line. Hobbs thinks he can be the best. In order to prove it, he must beat the best. So, every chance he gets, he lines up against the All Pro receiver.

“When DaVante [Adams] walks up, Nate [Hobbs] is like ‘I want the rep’,” said Derek Carr. “He’s not backing down. He’s like ‘I want that challenge.’ If it was up to Nate, he’d guard everybody. And I think that that’s what you want out of a DB and it doesn’t matter…if Davante makes a play, then boom, Nate’s like ‘i don’t care’ and next play he’ll knock one down and that’s the competitive spirit that you hope happens on your team.”

The result is apparent on the practice field, with Hobbs picking off a couple passes and forcing incompletions on several others.

His DB teammates have been impressed with him, including veteran Duron Harmon who joined the team this offseason.

“When I talk about a guy that’s always asking questions, always trying to figure out how to get better, I’m talking about him,” said Harmon, who is Hobbs’s locker mate. “He puts in the work each and every day. He comes to work ready to go; he’s so athletic, so twitchy, can play inside and outside. I’m excited to see what Nate will do this year.”

Hobbs has lined up against more than just Adams, and he doesn’t win them all. But that’s what camp is for. He came on quickly in his rookie camp and from all accounts, he’s taking strides in his second season as well.

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‘Until I die’: Raiders standout second-year CB Nate Hobbs on if he still has chip on his shoulder

Nate Hobbs on if he still has chip on his shoulder: ‘Until I die. Real talk, until I die’

No Raiders player last season impressed more than Nate Hobbs. The fifth round rookie leapt to the top of the depth chart as the team’s starting nickel cornerback in training camp and was outstanding throughout the season handling the slot.

Even after just one season, it’s not a stretch to say Hobbs was easily one of the top finds by the Raiders during the Mike Mayock era as GM.

Part of Hobbs’s greatness stems from the fire to prove himself. Something he’s had to do every step of the way in his football life. As a fifth round pick, sure, but it goes way back for Hobbs. Something I detailed last year, shortly after he was drafted.

He’s been underestimated his whole football life. He was thankful for being drafted into the NFL, but he still had 166 players taken ahead of him, including over 30 defensive backs. So, here he goes again.

Guaranteed, there is a hell of a lot fewer than 30 of those DBs who are better. Hobbs has proven himself. You think that changes his outlook? Think he’s shed that chip on his shoulder? Not a chance.

“Until I die. Real talk, until I die,” Hobbs said of still carrying that chip on his shoulder. “Where I’m from, I’m from Louisville, Kentucky, so I never got the chance to see anybody make it that far to the NFL with my own two eyes or personally know somebody. It feels like that in all areas of Louisville, we are a real underrated city. So, growing up there it made me like that. I guess I was a creature of my habitat.”

Hobbs has taken his talents from inside out with the Raiders as they have been seeing what kind of versatility he possesses. The 6-0, 195-pounder is clearly talented enough to hang with shifty slot receivers and make stops in short yardage, so the team is seeing whether he can move around some if called upon.

“Really most of my high school career and college career, I played outside. That’s second nature to me,” Hobbs said. “That’s something I feel like I can do at a high level. But playing in the slot, like you said, there is a lot more room. Playing corner, slot, whatever I got to play, safety if I got to do that, it makes it a lot easier I feel like just having a feel for multiple positions.”

Currently Trayvon Mullen is on the PUP list, giving the team a bit of an opportunity of sorts to find out their options without him. Thus Hobbs getting some work outside along with newcomer Anthony Averett with Rock Ya-Sin on the opposite side.

The question from there would be if Hobbs turns out to the best option outside, would any of the other corners be able to man the slot as well as he can? Based on Hobbs’s play there last season, that could be a tall order.

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Nate Hobbs named ‘secret superstar’ by Pro Football Focus

Can #Raiders CB Nate Hobbs make the Pro Bowl this year?

The Raiders are a very top-heavy team going into the 2022 season. They are very reliant on their stars to help them win games. But as we know in the NFL, it’s the role players that end up making the difference.

So what non-star could make a leap this season and be the difference for the Raiders?

In a recent article by Sam Monson at Pro Football Focus, he wrote about every team’s secret superstar heading into the 2022 season. For the Raiders, that was none other than slot cornerback Nate Hobbs. Here is what Monson had to say about the second-year cornerback from Illinois:

“Hobbs finished his rookie year with a top-10 PFF grade among cornerbacks, grading well in both run defense and coverage. The Raiders’ defensive scheme may have asked a little less of him than some other players, but he allowed only one touchdown all season and 8.5 yards per reception. Hobbs dramatically outperformed his fifth-round draft status and was one of the best rookies in the league last year.”

Hobbs won the starting slot cornerback job early in training camp and never looked back. This year, he is walking into training camp as one of their best young defenders. Now, the only question is if he will play any more on the outside as the Raiders lost Casey Hayward in free agency.

Otherwise, this is one of the best slot cornerbacks in the NFL and he should only be better in Year 2. If he can repeat his rookie performance, he’ll be a great candidate to make the Pro Bowl this season.

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Rankings the top 25 players on Raiders roster: 6-10

Who made the top ten players on the Raiders roster?

Things are heating up in the list of the top 25 Raiders. Some very talented players have already been mentioned on the list and now we enter the all important top ten.

Raiders S Tre’Von Moehrig named to PFWA All-Rookie team, CB Nate Hobbs snubbed

Raiders got a rookie on the PFWA All-Rookie team, though perhaps not the most deserving

As the Pro Football Writers of America rolls out their awards, the latest is the Rookies of the Year and the All-Rookie Team. The Raiders already had a few All-NFL and All-AFC players. And they land a player on the All-Rookie team as well.

Tre’Von Moehrig has made the PFWA All-Rookie team at safety along with Dolphins’ Jevon Holland.

Moehrig was also on the Pro Football Focus All-Rookie team as he and Holland were the only full time rookie safeties in the NFL this season.

Rookie CB Nate Hobbs deserved a shot at the team as he had more tackles than either Patrick Surtain II or Greg Newsome II. While Surtain did have four picks, Newsome had none. But they were both first round picks, so they are thought of more than a fifth round pick like Hobbs.

Here is the full listing of PFWA picks:

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: LB Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys
OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: WR Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals
DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: LB Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys

ALL-ROOKIE TEAM

Offense

QB – Mac Jones, New England Patriots
RB – Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers; Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos
WR – Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals; Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins
TE – Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons
C – Creed Humphrey, Kansas City Chiefs
G – Trey Smith, Kansas City Chiefs; Alijah Vera-Tucker; New York Jets
T – Rashawn Slater, Los Angeles Chargers; Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions

Defense

DL – Christian Barmore, New England Patriots; Odafe Oweh, Baltimore Ravens; Kwity Paye, Indianapolis Colts; Jaelan Phillips, Miami Dolphins
LB – Nick Bolton, Kansas City Chiefs; Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Cleveland Browns; Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys
CB – Greg Newsome II, Cleveland Browns; Patrick Surtain II, Denver Broncos
S – Jevon Holland, Miami Dolphins; Tre’Von Moehrig, Las Vegas Raiders

Special Teams

PK – Evan McPherson, Cincinnati Bengals
P – Pressley Harvin III, Pittsburgh Steelers
KR – Kene Nwangwu, Minnesota Vikings
PR – Demetric Felton, Cleveland Browns
ST – Nick Niemann, Los Angeles Chargers

Raiders CB Nate Hobbs cited for driving 110 mph 2 weeks after DUI arrest

Not two weeks since Nate Hobbs was arrested for DUI, he’s cited for driving 110 mph

Yes, Nate Hobbs is in the news for the wrong reasons again. The talented cornerback just completed a standout rookie season and while that’s all we should be talking about with him, we’re not.

Sunday night Hobbs was cited by the Nevada Highway Patrol for going 110 mph in a 65 mph zone. This according to local CBS Channel 8 New Now.

That’s an extreme rate of speed to be traveling for anyone. Even had this been an isolated incident, we could just call it as such and figure he’ll learn from it.

But this isn’t isolated. Just two weeks earlier, Hobbs was arrested on DUI charges. That’s a far more serious charge and one that didn’t yield any sort of punishment, with his head coach saying he would let the legal process happen.

His DUI was not just a big deal in and of itself, it was a big deal in light of the team’s several other run-ins with the law over the past year.

Last January, teammate Josh Jacobs was cited for DUI. Then during the season, Henry Ruggs III was arrested for DUI resulting in death for an accident that killed a young woman and her dog. Then a short time later, after fellow CB Damon Arnette was released following a video he posted on social media in which he was threatening someone’s life while brandishing several firearms, it was revealed Arnette had crashed four rental cars in a month’s time.

To go out after all that and drive recklessly like that is extremely irresponsible, shows terrible judgment, and questionable character. Nate Hobbs, you need to wake up and grow up.

Raiders expect Nate Hobbs to play vs Chargers despite DUI arrest ‘it’s a legal matter’

Raiders interim head coach Rich Bisaccia said he expects Nate Hobbs to play vs Chargers despite DUI arrest ‘it’s a legal matter’

On the Monday after the team’s win in Indianapolis to stay in the playoff chase, the team got a rude awakening. Standout rookie cornerback Nate Hobbs was arrested at around 4 am Monday morning on DUI charges. The negative implications for the team — which has already seen two other players charged with DUI this year alone — there were questions as to whether Hobbs would be immediately available as the Raiders head into their crucial season finale against the Chargers.

Interim Head Coach Rich Bisaccia says Hobbs is in line to play in the game.

“As far as Nate Hobbs is concerned obviously we take that extremely serious organizationally and certainly within our team,” Bisaccia led out with. “Based on what we’ve learned, at this time we expect Nate to play. It’s a legal matter. Other than that I have nothing else. We’ll leave it at that.”

It can be tough to secure convictions for DUI and clearly the Raiders are in a wait-and-see approach in that regard. While the case plays out, or if and until the league steps in, Hobbs will continue to play.

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5 Raiders who pose biggest threat to Chargers

Highlighting key Raiders players who could make it difficult for the Chargers this Sunday.

This Sunday, the Los Angeles Chargers take on the Las Vegas Raiders in a win-or-go-home contest.

Here are a few Raiders players who the Bolts must hone in on to increase their chances of making it to the playoffs.

WR Hunter Renfrow

In Year 3, Renfrow has enjoyed a lot of success. Renfrow recently topped the 1,000-yard mark (1,025), is one reception shy of 100, and has seven touchdowns to go along with it. Furthermore, he is nearing in on becoming the second receiver since 1992 to catch at least 80% of his targets in a season. The other was Michael Thomas. With the ability to set up cornerbacks with his quicks and route savvy and reel in everything thrown in his direction, Renfrow won’t be an easy task.

TE Darren Waller

The Raiders’ offense hasn’t been as efficient, and a lot of it has to do with Waller, who missed multiple weeks due to injuries and COVID-19. But it appears that he is trending towards making his return this weekend. In 10 games, Waller has 53 receptions for 643 yards and two touchdowns. In Week 4, when the two teams met, he posted four receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown. Currently, the Chargers allow the most yards (1,098) and scores (13) to opposing tight ends.

EDGE Maxx Crosby

If there’s one way of slowing down Herbert, it’s by getting pressure on him in a hurry. It remains to be seen whether Storm Norton or Trey Pipkins will get the start at right tackle, but regardless, the premier pass rusher must be mitigated at all costs. Crosby has a whopping 90 pressures, 65 hurries, 17 hits, and eight sacks this season. So look for the Chargers to likely chip block him and move the pocket to aid that side.

CB Nate Hobbs

Hobbs, the stud rookie slot corner, was arrested less than a week ago for a DUI. Despite his actions, Hobbs will not be disciplined and will play this weekend, which creates a challenge for Keenan Allen. According to Pro Football Focus, in the Chargers and Raiders’ first meeting, Hobbs limited Allen to one catch for two yards. Hobbs has allowed just 33 yards in 2021 at 8.1 yards per reception. He has yet to surrender a touchdown, with the longest completion into his coverage going for 34 yards.

CB Casey Hayward

Next to Hobbs on the outside is the former Charger who’s playing some outstanding football. Hayward has been beaten for just 298 total yards and one touchdown on 604 coverage snaps in 2021. When Los Angeles and Las Vegas earlier this season, Hayward gave up just two receptions on four targets for 13 yards, with a long of nine.

Raiders CB Nate Hobbs comes off reserve/COVID0-19 list in time to face Broncos

Raiders get their standout nickel cornerback Nate Hobbs Just in time to face the rival Broncos.

Just prior to the Raiders facing the Browns last Monday, they placed cornerback Nate Hobbs on the reserve COVID-19 list. And with just six days until they faced the Broncos, they were facing the possibility of being without him for a second game as well. Saturday they got the good news that Hobbs has tested out of the protocol and will return to the field Sunday.

His return is crucial in part due to the loss of starting outside CB Trayvon Mullen to injured reserve and backup CB Brandon Facyson to the reserve/COVID-19 list.

As of Friday’s final practice, Hobbs and Facyson remained on the reserve/COVID-19 list along with fellow defensive back Roderic Teamer and offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor but interim head coach Rich Bisaccia was still hopeful the team could get back some of them before Sunday’s game.

“I’d like to think depending on the test times that they are all going to have a chance,” said Bisaccia. “So, we’ll know a little bit more tomorrow and then we believe we are going to go all the way into Sunday morning as to knowing who we actually have out of that group. So, everyone has been put on high alert. We lost [Nate] Hobbs certainly Monday morning before that game and had to deal with it at that particular time. We are expecting possibly to have to do the same thing this week.”

Hobbs’s return is the best news of the bunch. He has been a big part of the Raiders defense this season. The rookie fourth round pick earned the starting nickel corner job out of camp and has been a bright spot ever since, both in coverage and versus the run.

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