There’s no denying that Las Vegas Raiders veteran linebacker Devin White has been outstanding as a tackle this season. Through 14 games, White ranks second in the NFL with 149 tackles. There has been some debate about what tackle production really means.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network took this as an opportunity to praise White on social media. It feels a bit random, and welcomes speculation that Rapoport is providing assistance to White’s agent. After all, the veteran defender’s contract is about to expire.
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Rapoport claimed White is a candidate for Comeback Player of the Year honors. He became just the fifth player in Raiders history to record 140 tackles this season.
Rapoport’s tweet was widely criticized. Perhaps the most high-profile critic came from Sam Monson, a former Pro Football Focus analyst with more than 129,000 followers on social media. Monson was quoted on Rapoport’s Twitter feed, dismissing the idea that White has been outstanding this season.
White has shouldered a huge responsibility in coverage this season. PFF credited him with 65 receptions on 81 targets, which meant he completed 80.2 percent of his passes. White allowed 477 passing yards and only 1 touchdown.
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This is where the argument lies. Does tackle production matter when you consistently lose coverage and allow teams to convert first downs before the tackle? Rapoport’s tweet about White caused quite a stir.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Viral tweet about Raiders linebacker Devin White sparks division
