Oakland Raiders must keep track of wide receiver Phillip Dorsett
Despite only catching 10 passes in nine games, why should Phillip Dorsett cross the Oakland Raiders radar as a player to watch in Week 11?
New England Patriots wide receiver Phillip Dorsett has six catches for 101 yards through nine games and two starts. However, Oakland Raiders defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. should highlight the 5-11 pass-catcher during film study.
According to Boston Globe reporter Nora Princiotti, the Patriots want to expand Dorsett’s role in the offense. The third-year receiver logged a season-high 49 snaps, which amounted to 70 percent of the count on offense against the Denver Broncos in Week 10. Though he only caught two passes for 16 yards, there’s relevance to Princiotti’s report about an expanded role.
The Patriots acquired Dorsett in the offseason in exchange for quarterback Jacoby Brissett. You can bet head coach Bill Belichick saw something in the 2015 first-rounder that should come into play in the near future. The Miami product caught 33 passes for 528 yards and two touchdowns with the Indianapolis Colts in 2016.
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As for the Raiders, cornerback David Amerson lists as doubtful for Sunday’s game with a foot injury. On the perimeter, Dorsett would draw a matchup with Dexter McDonald. He’d likely see T.J. Carrie on the inside.
Due to the McDonald’s recent struggles in tackling and coverage, expect quarterback Tom Brady to focus on his side of the field. Of course, wide receiver Brandin Cooks comes to mind as the obvious threat to the Raiders’ porous secondary. However, you’d have to believe the coaching staff has a plan to limit his productivity.
After Cooks embarrassed cornerback Sean Smith in Week 1 of the previous season, expect a double team on his side. Assuming the Patriots alternate Dorsett and Danny Amendola on the perimeter, McDonald could have a long day in Brady’s crosshairs.
The Raiders can expect the usual suspects to challenge the pass defense. Tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett, assuming he plays, will probably see early looks. If Norton implements some adjustments, the running backs and Dorsett should emerge as secondary options in the passing attack.
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Overall, the Raiders pass defense ranks No. 22 in yards allowed and surrendered 14 touchdowns in nine games. Without an interception on the defense’s resume, Brady may feast buffet style in Mexico City. However, an aggressive pass rush that frequently puts the 40-year-old on the ground would provide hope for Norton’s unit.
New England has a track record in throwing effective curveballs on game day. Despite only seeing 10 pass targets through the season, Dorsett could blow up as a go-to option on Sunday. In order to defend the Patriots’ smaller catch-and-run threat, the Raiders will need speed and discipline in deep coverage over the top.