NASHVILLE — The Raiders’ coaches finally made what looked to be an obvious move Sunday, and were rewarded more than they could have imagined. Think about putting three quarters in a slot machine and hitting a jackpot.
Oakland benched struggling 2013 first-round pick DJ Hayden and started David Amerson at cornerback against the Titans. Amerson has been solid since he was claimed off waivers from Washington in September. On Sunday, he turned in the best performance by an Oakland cornerback in recent memory.
He broke up six passes, two in spectacular diving fashion, and had an interception — erasing Tennessee’s third-quarter scoring opportunity after Oakland kick returner Jeremy Ross fumbled.