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Eric Stokes, Hezekiah Masses and Other Poor PFF Grades From Raiders’ Loss to Chiefs
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- Eric Stokes, Hezekiah Masses and Other Poor PFF Grades From Raiders’ Loss to Chiefs
The Raiders needed their secondary to step up to knock off the Chiefs. But the young group of defensive backs was unable to lift Las Vegas.
Pro Football Focus gave cornerbacks Eric Stokes and Hezekiah Masses two of the worst grades in the entire game, as both were given a grade below a 50.
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Stokes, who has been the Raiders' undisputed top cornerback since training camp began, was targeted five times and gave up three catches for 57 yards. He has struggled all season, allowing 13 catches for 171 yards. He has only had one game this season with a PFF grade over 50.
Masses failed to intercept another pass on Sunday, as the Chiefs picked on the rookie. Masses was targeted a team-high seven times and allowed four catches for 62 yards and two touchdowns. Despite his three interceptions, Masses has struggled in his first season in the NFL.
Other Defensive Problems
Stokes and Masses were not the lowest graded defenders for the Raiders. Linebacker Quay Walker and edge rusher Kwity Paye took home the worst two marks.
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Despite playing all 60 defensive snaps, Walker only made two run stops while Kenneth Walker ran for 177 yards. Meanwhile, Paye didn't register a single quarterback pressure in the game. Not stopping the run game and not pressuring Mahomes made it harder for the secondary to hold up against the Chiefs passing game.
Offensive Struggles
Two offensive players got an expanded role and failed to capitalize. Caleb Rogers was given the starting right guard position and struggled to make the most of the opportunity, as he allowed five pressures and received the lowest pass blocking grade on the team.
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But running back Mike Washington Jr. had the lowest offensive grade. With Ashton Jeanty battling an apparent ankle injury, Washington got 18 snaps. He took nine carries for just 18 yards and caught one pass but registered negative yardage.
With Jeanty struggling again, there could be a chance for Washington to carve out a bigger role in the offense. But his performance on Sunday won't inspire much confidence from the coaching staff.
The Good Players
Maxx Crosby and Tommy Eichenberg were the only two defenders with a grade over 70. Eichenberg only played 14 snaps, but Crosby was the sole source of a pass rush, as he posted eight quarterback pressures.
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Left guard Spencer Burford took home the highest offensive grade at 80.2. It was far and away his best game, as PFF had not graded him above a 60 in the first three weeks.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Oct 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
