Raiders rookie safety Treydan Stukes passed another test Sunday, turning away three third-down attempts by the Bills in the red zone and forcing Buffalo to settle for field goals each time. The second-round pick tackled Khalil Shakir short of the marker in the fourth quarter, broke up a pass intended for tight end Dalton Kincaid in the second quarter, and wrestled Kincaid down on a quick flip from Josh Allen in the third quarter.
"I felt like I got a good jump on what he was trying to do," Stukes said of the Shakir tackle. "He was just on a runaway route and I was able to take a good angle so I didn't run into anyone on the way over and I was able to meet him on the other side. It was a good play call and recognition of the splits and everyone doing their job so we don't pick each other off." The Raiders held the Bills to 4-for-11 on third downs.
Defensive coordinator Rob Leonard praised Stukes' growth into an every-down role. "It's great for the team," Leonard said. "Great for everybody. It was big." Safeties coach Matt Robinson said the staff trusted Stukes early because of his playmaking ability and communication skills, noting he handles the playbook and lines up the secondary.
Stukes said he welcomes the challenge when offenses target him. "Being at the point of the attack is where you want to be," he said. "It's when you get the chance to show what you're made of. I relish those opportunities, and I'm glad I have the guys around me that make me feel confident I can make that play and that we can do it as a defense."
Leonard said Stukes' confidence has grown with his consistency. "He's just more confident," Leonard said. "It's easy to be more confident when you're making plays. And what has triggered it? Obviously the playmaking ability, but I just think the play-in and play-out consistency of, even when the ball's not going to him, being in good position."
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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