Marcus Peters: Throwing Stones in a Glass House

First thing’s first, Marcus Peters needs to slow down a little bit. While he’s coming along as one of the NFL’s better young corners, he averages slightly less than two tackles a game. While he can bring down the occasional receiver, it’s not like he’s scrambling to the line of scrimmage to punish rushers.

And another thing? Marcus Peters is 6’0 and 196 pounds. Marshawn Lynch? He’s an inch shorter, but about 20 pounds heavier. One on one, Peters would be lucky to drag the man they called Beast Mode down, let alone aggressively. Honestly, Peters isn’t as consistent as he pretends to be either, as the most targeted corner in the NFL over the last two years. But run defense isn’t really his game, is it? He’s just a corner, he doesn’t play linebacker or safety. Maybe he was just referring to the rest of the Chiefs defense.

Rush Defense

Last year, the Kansas City Chiefs were 26th in run defense, giving up 121 yards per game on the ground. Dontari Poe had an off year last season, but the red and gold did not get better by releasing him. Derrick Johnson will turn 35 this season, and he’s coming off an injury. While Eric Berry is one of the NFL’s best safeties, and Justin Houston is an elite pass rusher when healthy, it’s not like the team is great against the run.

Raider rusher Latavius Murray missed the first game against Kansas City, but in the second, he ran wild, cracking 100 yards and a touchdown on the ground. While Murray weighed slightly more than Lynch does now, he was also four inches taller. Assuming that any of Oakland’s newest acquisitions at right tackle are better than Austin Howard was last year, Oakland’s offensive line will be even better next year.

Unleash the Beast

What is the biggest criticism of Marshawn Lynch’s game? Is it his speed? Not really. He’s fast enough to get away when he needs to, that’s not his strength. His strength is, quite literally, his strength. He trucks over defenders and keeps his legs moving until they drag him down. The biggest criticism of Marshawn Lynch is his work ethic. Some people say he doesn’t always give it his all.

Now? Lynch is wearing the silver and black he’s loved his whole life. He’s not representing the Raiders, but Oakland, his city. Playing with Derek Carr and a great passing offense, and running behind the best offensive line of his career, Lynch has every opportunity to have his best season yet.

Marshawn Lynch, the man they call Beast Mode, is a raging bull and Marcus Peters’ Kansas City Chiefs wear red. The Raiders and Chiefs face off on Thursday Night Football on October 19th this year, in Oakland. We’ll see just how tough Marcus Peters and the Chiefs really are.