Return of Nate Hobbs a big deal for Raiders in re-match with Chargers

There is no time like today for Nate Hobbs to return to the field for the Raiders. The team went 3-3 in the five games since he left with a broken hand. As they are set to face rival Chargers today, Hobbs’s return is very big news.

Even though the Raiders lost to the Chargers in the season opener, Hobbs was huge in giving them a chance late in that game.

With the Chargers leading with under five minutes left and the offense was looking to close it out, they lined up in third-and-three. Herbert threw for Mike Williams over the middle and Hobbs swatted down to force a three-and-out and give the Raiders offense once more shot.

Overall, Hobbs would finish third on the team with nine tackles, adding two tackles for loss, a pass breakup and a forced fumble. Only Maxx Crosby was more crucial to the defense that day. And I’d expect that to be the case in this one as well.

Already this season the Raiders have had two three-game losing streaks. Now they’re looking for their first three-game winning streak after wins against the Broncos and Seahawks the past two weeks.

They search for that win-streak against a division rival in the hunt for the playoffs at 6-5 on the season. And should the Raiders win, they would guarantee at least a split against AFC West rivals this season with one more game against the Chiefs still left this season.

It would also bring the Raiders to a 5-7 season record, which would have the Raiders believing they could make a playoff run just a few weeks from feeling like the season was lost.

Hobbs is the team’s best defensive back. A position they have been forced to dig deep into of late, starting the likes of undrafted rookie Sam Webb and recent street free agent Tyler Hall.

Hall is inactive today, which means it’s Hobbs, Rock Ya-Sin, Webb, Amik Robertson, and Sidney Jones at cornerback.

Story originally appeared on Raiders Wire