The Wolfpacker

98 ■ THE WOLFPACKER BY RYAN TICE I n the last two months, former NC State star David Amerson has gone from being cut to enjoying a career-defining perfor- mance after moving from the East Coast to the West Coast. Following the first two regular-season games with Washington, the cornerback was released by the team that selected him in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Amerson only appeared on special teams in his last game with the club. He was immediately picked up by the Oakland Raiders and has played in every contest since, recently securing a starting spot with his new squad after a record- setting day that had a future NFL Hall of Famer singing his praises. The third-year professional came off the bench in his first appearance for the Raid- ers, but then started five straight games, totaled 33 tackles, broke up eight passes and notched one interception. He returned to a reserve role for one week before moving back into the starting lineup. In his first game back in a starting spot, he broke up four passes against De- troit, prompting coaches to move him from nickel back to the outside, where he did not disappoint. In a week 12 game against Tennessee Nov. 29, Amerson started on the outside and looked like the collegiate star he was in Raleigh, setting a Raiders' single-game record with six passes defended, including an interception. According to the team, he was the 13th NFL player, and first since 2013, with six passes defended and one interception in a game. In the contest, Amerson was targeted nine times and gave up just one catch for five yards, per Pro Football Focus. Three of the passes he broke up came on third down, and the website awarded him its highest grade for any cornerback in week 12 action. "He played well in what we call sticky coverage," teammate and NFL legend Charles Woodson said. "He was sticky out there today, made some great plays and got an interception. It was an outstanding performance." In 10 games with his new squad, Am- erson has totaled 44 tackles, defended 19 passes, picked off two balls and forced a fumble. His season-long total of 21 passes defended is tied for second in the league, while it took just nine contests with the Raiders to equal the number of picks he had in 33 appearances with the Redskins. "I felt like I had something to prove," Amerson said. "I definitely felt like I could be a good corner in this league, and I just want to prove that. "Anytime you get your chance to step on the field, you want to take advantage of it. That's my mindset every time I get out there." "David did a nice job," Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio told CSNBayArea.com. "He's been a great addition since he got here. He's a good player and a really good teammate. He has fought hard every day and in every rep. He's very competitive." NFL Player Updates Through Dec. 6 • David Amerson (Played at NC State from 2010-12), CB, Oakland Raiders: Has appeared in 12 games — the first two with Washington — and started seven times (all with the 5-7 Raiders) while posting 46 tackles, two interceptions and one forced fumble … His 21 passes defended on the year are tied for second in the league. • Tyson Chandler (2010-14), OT, Buffalo Bills: On injured reserve with the 6-6 Bills. • Audie Cole (2008-11), LB, Minnesota Vi - kings: Played in seven games with one start, notching three tackles and a fumble recovery, before breaking his ankle and being put on season-ending injured reserve by the 8-4 Vikings. • Jerricho Cotchery (2000-03), WR, Carolina Panthers: Ranks third on the 12-0 Panthers with 27 receptions for 352 yards and two touchdowns … Has played in 10 games with one start. • Rob Crisp (2010-14), OT, Arizona Cardi - nals: A member of the 10-2 Cardinals' practice squad, but he is currently injured. • Mike Glennon (2011-12), QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Has not played this year for the 6-6 Buccaneers. • T.J. Graham (2008-11), WR, New Orleans Saints: Appeared in four games with one start for the 4-8 Saints, hauling in four passes for 24 yards and making four special teams tackles. • Steven Hauschka (2007), K, Seattle Se- ahawks: Is 22 of 23 on field goals and 27 of 30 on extra points for the 7-5 Seahawks … Ranked fifth in the NFL for field goal percentage (95.7), tied for seventh with 10 makes from at least 40 yards, and is tied for ninth in field goals made and overall scoring (93 points) … His long of 54 yards is tied for the 12th longest kick in the league this year. • Nate Irving (2007-11), LB, Indianapolis Colts: Has seen time in eight games with two starts for the 6-6 Colts, and notched 14 tackles with one sack, two ■ PACK PROS David Amerson Bounces Back From Early-Season Release Amerson became the 13th player in NFL history to record six passes defended and one intercep- tion in a single game when he did so in Oakland's 24-21 win at Tennessee Nov. 29. PHOTO COURTESY OAKLAND RAIDERS ■ BY THE NUMBERS 35 Straight starts (playoffs included) for Seattle Se- ahawks right guard J.R. Sweezy. He has missed just one start in the 53 games since moving into the starting lineup with two games to go in the 2012 season. 158 Games San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Riv- ers needed to reach 40,000 career passing yards — he was the fourth fastest in NFL history to eclipse the milestone. 345 Yards and five touchdowns passing for Seattle Se- ahawks quarterback Russell Wilson Nov. 29, his 27th birthday, against the Pittsburg Steelers; both were new personal bests for the regular season.

• Cover