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Raiders Face Giants LB Okereke, Engine of the Defense

Originally posted on FanNation Raider Maven
By Carter Landis | Last updated 11/4/23

The Las Vegas Raiders are looking to turn a new page this season by picking up a victory against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium tomorrow afternoon.

The Raiders have a new interim coach in Antonio Pierce, and the vibe appears different around the team. Pierce will look to start his coaching campaign on the right note against a 2-6 Giants team.

The Giants may have just two wins, but they are a tough out each week. This is due to how well their defense is playing, specifically how well they are all organized.

This is a credit to linebacker Bobby Okereke, who has been playing some of the best football of his career. It took some time for Okereke to figure out his role in Defensive Coordinator Wink Martindale’s system, but he has grown into it and has been the engine of their defense.

Okereke is the Giants’ leading tackler this season with 73 total tackles. He also has eight tackles for loss, six passes defended, and an interception. He handles the middle linebacker duties for the Giants, and has done so quite well this season.

Okereke was a third-round selection in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Stanford by the Indianapolis Colts. After four seasons in Indianapolis and 420 career tackles, Okereke signed with the Giants in March.

At 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds, Okereke plays like the modern-day linebacker. He has good speed and elite coverage ability with a high football IQ. He is not often considered among the top linebackers in the NFL, but his play over the last two seasons gives him a case to be.

Okereke posted 132 tackles in 2021 and 151 in 2022, but did not earn Pro Bowl honors despite finishing in the top 15 in tackles in both those seasons. If the Giants continue to play well defensively as they’re led by Okereke, he may have a better shot in 2023.

The Raiders are looking for ways to get going offensively, but that may prove difficult against a Giants’ defensive unit playing well. Okereke has been the leader for that defense, and if he continues to play at a high level, it might be a long day for the Raiders’ offense.

The Silver and Black will return to Allegiant Stadium to take on the New York Giants on Sunday, Nov. 5, at 4:25 p.m. EST/1:25 p.m. PST.

This article first appeared on FanNation Raider Maven and was syndicated with permission.

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