In terms of special teams, there may not be a more important player in the NFL than Oakland Raiders safety Brynden Trawick.
Trawick’s nine tackles through the first five weeks of the 2016 season sits him atop the special teams leaderboard. Though the lowly number may seem unimpressive, Trawick’s efforts have been key in the 4-1 Raiders climb atop the AFC West.
A 2016 acquisition from the Baltimore Ravens, Trawick was best known as the guy that injured teammate Jacoby Jones. In Trawick’s rookie debut as a Raven against the Denver Broncos, he bulldozed into teammate Jacoby Jones on a punt return accidentally. Both Jones and Trawick suffered an injury, and the Broncos won the game 49-27.
While Trawick’s playing time increased yearly over his three seasons in Baltimore, his production was inconsistent. After Baltimore’s neglect to offer an extension, Trawick signed with the Raiders on March 13th, with his special teams prowess in mind.
Trawick made his presence felt even in the preseason, starting with the August 18th game against the Green Bay Packers. Late in the fourth quarter of a losing effort, Trawick blocked a Tim Masthay punt attempt. Safety Nate Allen recovered, resulting in a Raiders touchdown.
Entering the preseason finale against the Seattle Seahawks, Trawick was in a battle with Dewey McDonald for a roster spot. Trawick’s performance against Seattle may have sealed the deal, with two special team tackles inside the 20-yard line.
In Week 1 against the New Orleans Saints, Trawick garnered two special teams tackles against Saints returner Marcus Murphy. He repeated those efforts in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons. On big plays, Trawick tackled returner Eric Weems afetr just a 1-yard gain, and Aldrick Robinson for just an 11-yard gain.
Being as all four of Oakland’s wins were decided by 7 points or less, it’s the little things that count. With that being said, Trawick’s plays are anything but minute. With the defense ranking an NFL-worst 32nd in passing yards allowed, every special teams yard matters.
Although Raiders General Manager Reggie McKenzie has received praise for his drafting, the offseason acquisition of Trawick is one of his best moves yet.
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