Motivation: Raiders CB Amerson Aims to Dominate Former Team
In the NFL, players derive motivation from various sources. While Washington wideout Terrelle Pryor may hold fond memories of his time in Oakland, Raiders’ corner David Amerson probably doesn’t. Sunday night’s game marks the first time Amerson returns to face the team that drafted him. Certainly, he’ll provide no bulletin board material by bashing his former club. Yet, Amerson’s journey to this point reads like a tale of redemption, possibly tinged with spite.
Lofty Expectations
When Washington drafted Amerson fifty-first overall, the thought seemed as though, he’d occupy a starting spot. Plus, if you recall the players that the DC franchise selected him ahead of, reads like a who’s who of NFL talent. Jamie Collins, Eddie Lacy, Tyrann Mathieu and Travis Kelce spring to mind. Washington liked Amerson frame and athleticism.
Pine Time
After Washington owner Dan Snyder fired Mike Shanahan, Amerson’s fortunes took a sharp decline. Late in his second season, Coach Jay Gruden benched Amerson for being late to a team meeting. From that point on, Amerson fell down the depth chart. As a result, the former second round pick never saw meaningful field time again. Sitting as the fourth corner, Washington deactivated him for a game, prior to releasing him in September 2015.
New Life
Twenty four hours after his release, the Raiders claimed Amerson on waivers. Amerson is a bigger corner that can stay with most receivers vertically. That is to say, on simple fly routes, Amerson uses his strength to disturb that route ever so slightly. Additionally, Amerson possesses keen hand-eye coordination. His 43 deflected passes in the last 30 games bears witness this talent. As Sean Smith gives way to Gareon Conley eventually, the Raiders will count on Amerson to lock down the other spot for the foreseeable future.
Determination
After Washington waived Amerson, they added Josh Norman and witnessed the development of Bashaud Breeland. Should Amerson hold any lingering animosity? Yes. The franchise thought highly enough to draft him. In return, he played well. Washington rewarded him with a bench seat, healthy scratch and subsequent release. Although only unemployed for a day, Amerson will channel his feelings into making Washington pay dearly. More importantly, he wants to erase the memory of two Jermaine Kearse touchdowns he surrendered in Week Two. Spite, like it or not, can be a ferocious motivator.
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