Las Vegas Raiders

Seth Roberts: The Key To Success

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Why Seth Roberts has an opportunity to be a major contributor for the Oakland Raiders in their Week 8 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

As the Oakland Raiders look to break the tie for first place in the AFC West, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stand in their way.

The Raiders abysmal defense will be tasked with containing the Bucs quarterback-wideout tandem of Jameis Winston and Mike Evans. Raiders Pro Bowl quarterback Derek Carr’s receiving duo of Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree will take on Tampa’s corners Brent Grimes and Vernon Hargreaves III.

For the Raiders, the key to a win may lie in the hands of another wide receiver — Seth Roberts.

Roberts is third on the Raiders stat sheet in receiving yards (176) and receptions (19) and second among receivers in touchdowns (3). Oakland’s primary slot receiver is also one of its best blockers, attributing to the teams 804 yards on the ground.

But the foremost job for Roberts is to be a deep threat. When Oakland is in opposing territory, Roberts has shined, garnering a team-best 6 redzone targets. Of the six, he has nabbed the aforementioned 3 touchdowns.

In what is sure to be a high-scoring contest, both quarterbacks will be looking to hit their main targets. But Roberts may have a highlight game matched up with unproven Bucs corner Jude Adjei-Barimah.

For a lack of better words, the second-year cornerback has been inconsistent. According to a Pro Football Focus study released on October 20, Barimah allowed a passer rating of 127.8 when targeted. Knee injuries have hobbled Adjei-Barimah, as well as fighting cornerback Alterraun Verner for playing time.

Tampa Bay is currently the No. 22 pass defense in the league, allowing 12.7 yards per completion (T-32nd). Not to mention the 21 total defensive hurries rank dead last amongst the league.

With minimal pressure on quarterback Derek Carr, he will have time to attack Adjei-Barimah and the rest of the Buc’s secondary. For Roberts, a breakout game is inevitable, judging by his performances thus far. In 2015, he caught for over 50 yards in five contests, this season he has zero.

Of Oakland’s next five matchups, Roberts may not get an opportunity to truly dominate an opposing corner like this again.