NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Raiders cornerback David Amerson replaced DJ Hayden in the starting lineup for Sunday’s victory over the Tennessee Titans, and played remarkably well on the outside.
The waiver claim from Washington has played his way into consistent playing time, especially after the game of his life. Amerson had an interception and six passes defensed while playing 59 of 62 defensive snaps. He was targeted nine times, but allowed just one catch for five yards.
Hayden, however, dropped more than one spot. Neiko Thorpe remained the nickel cornerback and played 32 snaps.
[BAIR: Big game validates Amerson's return to Raiders starting role]
Hayden only played five defensive snaps, all of which came on the game’s final series.
Head coach Jack Del Rio was asked about Hayden’s lack of field time and said he rewarded snaps to those playing best.
It’s uncertain whether this hierarchy will stand. Amerson certainly deserves to start, though the No. 3 spot is uncertain. Hayden could assume that role next week against Kansas City.
On offense, rookie tight end Clive Walford played 41 snaps, nearly double that of position-mate Mychal Rivera.
Here’s a look at the entire Raiders snap count from Sunday’s game:
OFFENSE
71 – OT Donald Penn, OG J’Marcus Webb, OT Austin Howard, C Tony Bergstrom, OG Gabe Jackson
70 – QB Derek Carr
66 – WR Amari Cooper
52 – RB Latavius Murray
49 – WR Michael Crabtree
41 – TE Lee Smith, Clive Walford
32 – WR Seth Roberts
24 – TE Mychal Rivera
20 – WR Andre Holmes
16 – FB Marcel Reece
12 – FB Jamize Olawale
2 – RB Roy Helu
1 – QB Matt McGloin
DEFENSE
62 – LB Malcolm Smith
61 – CB TJ Carrie, S Charles Woodson
59 – CB David Amerson
58 – OLB Khalil Mack
55 – DE Mario Edwards Jr.
52 – S Nate Allen
46 – DL Denico Autry
35 – DE Benson Mayowa
32 – CB Neiko Thorpe, NT Dan Williams
31 – LB Curtis Lofton
29 – DT Justin Ellis
22 – S/LB Taylor Mays
16 – DT Stacy McGee
12 – DE Shelby Harris
11 – LB Ben Heeney
5 – DJ Hayden
3 – S Larry Asante
SPECIAL TEAMS
24 –
22 – Lorenzo Alexander, Larry Asante
19 – Jamize Olawale
18 – Neiko Thorpe, Korey Toomer
14 – Andre Holmes , Taylor Mays
13 – Ben Heeney
12 – Mychal Rivera
11 – Jeremy Ross, Dexter McDonald
9 – Benson Mayowa, Sebastian Janikowski
8 –Jon Condo, Marquette King
7 – Roy Helu
6 – Shelby Harris, DJ Hayden
4 – Donald Penn, J’Marcus Webb, Austin Howard, Gabe Jackson, Tony Bergstrom, Lee Smith, Marcel Reece, Matt McCants, Jon Feliciano
3 – Khalil Mack, Mario Edwards Jr., Nate Allen, Denico Autry, Dan Williams, Curtis Lofton, Stacy McGee
2 –
1 –TJ Carrie
