In one play against the Vikings, Mario Edwards Jr. showed what he can bring to Oakland in 2015.
The rookie defensive end from Florida State got off the ball quickly, pushing Minnesota’s offensive tackle into the backfield, before spinning inside to get his hands on Vikings quarterback Taylor Heinicke. At the same time, rookie linebacker Ben Heeney also got his hands on Heinicke, who lost control of the football. Defensive lineman Shelby Harris pounced on the ball for a Raiders turnover.
The strip and half sack by Edwards are an encouraging sign for an Oakland defense that wants to put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks this season. If Edwards can produce more pressure – and the Raiders believe he can – the entire defense will benefit.
Head coach Jack Del Rio said the game performance was indicative of how Edwards has improved over the course of training camp.
“I think he’s progressing very nicely, much improved week of practice, much improved outing in the game and definitely trending the way we want to see it go,” Del Rio told reporters this week. “Again, just want to see more, want to see continued effort and energy the way he provided it last week.”
Through two exhibition games, Edwards has two tackles and has shown a good power rush.
Edwards, who was considered somewhat of an underperformer in his Florida State career (just eight sacks in three seasons), said this spring that he’s out to produce in a big way for a team that took a chance on him in the second round.
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Said Edwards: “They believed in me and they gave me an opportunity and a chance. That’s all I needed was an opportunity to go out there and prove myself.”
So far, he’s living up to his word.
