Defensive Player Honors Highlight Week for the Las Vegas Raiders

For the Las Vegas Raiders, a single week in the middle of the NFL season turned into a celebration of their defensive resurgence—all thanks to a flurry of defensive player honors that highlighted the unit’s rapid improvement. From weekly league awards to national media recognition, the Raiders’ defensive stars took center stage, validating the team’s midseason trades and coaching adjustments. These honors weren’t just individual wins; they were a collective statement that the Raiders’ defense—once a liability—has evolved into a strength capable of carrying the team toward playoff contention. Defensive Player Honors Highlight Week for the Las Vegas Raiders breaks down the key honors, the performances that earned them, and how this recognition fuels the Raiders’ defensive momentum.

The headlining honor of the week went to defensive end Chandler Jones, who was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his dominant performance against the Los Angeles Chargers. In that game, Jones recorded 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 6 tackles, single-handedly disrupting the Chargers’ offense and helping the Raiders secure a 24-17 win. What made the performance even more impressive was Jones’ ability to impact critical moments: his third sack came on a fourth-and-1 play in the fourth quarter, halting a Chargers’ potential game-tying drive. “Chandler’s performance was nothing short of dominant,” said Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels. “He didn’t just make plays—he made plays when we needed them most. That’s the mark of a special player.” The award was Jones’ first since joining the Raiders via trade earlier in the season, and it came on the heels of his rising Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) buzz. For Jones, the honor was a nod to the team’s defensive cohesion. “This award is for the whole D-line and secondary—they kept the Chargers’ offense off balance, which let me get after the quarterback,” Jones said. Defensive Player Honors Highlight Week for the Las Vegas Raiders emphasizes that Jones’ weekly award is more than a personal achievement—it’s proof that the Raiders’ defensive investments are paying off.

Complementing Jones’ honor, cornerback Amik Robertson earned a spot on the NFL’s “Team of the Week” for his standout play against the Chargers. Robertson recorded 1 interception, 3 pass deflections, and 5 tackles, shutting down Chargers’ top wide receiver Keenan Allen for most of the game (Allen finished with just 4 catches for 38 yards, well below his season average). Robertson’s interception came in the third quarter, picking off a Justin Herbert pass in the end zone to prevent a Chargers touchdown—a play that swung momentum firmly in the Raiders’ favor. “Amik has been a revelation for us this season,” said defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. “He’s physical, he’s smart, and he doesn’t back down from anyone—even top receivers like Allen. This recognition is well-deserved.” For Robertson, who spent his first three seasons as a rotational player, the Team of the Week nod is a milestone in his breakout campaign. “I’ve worked so hard to get here, and it’s amazing to see that hard work pay off,” Robertson said. “Being on the NFL’s Team of the Week means I’m holding up my end of the bargain for this defense.” Defensive Player Honors Highlight Week for the Las Vegas Raiders highlights that Robertson’s honor showcases the Raiders’ defensive depth—proving their success isn’t just reliant on star players, but on role players stepping up.

The Las Vegas Raiders also received recognition for their defensive line as a unit, with Pro Football Focus (PFF) naming the group the “AFC Defensive Line of the Week” after their performance against the Chargers. The Raiders’ defensive line combined for 5 sacks, 8 quarterback hits, and 12 tackles for loss, dominating the Chargers’ offensive line (which entered the game ranked 10th in the NFL in sacks allowed). Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson was a key part of that success, recording 1 sack, 2 quarterback hits, and 4 tackles while consistently clogging running lanes (the Chargers rushed for just 67 yards). “Our defensive line has been building chemistry since Dalvin and Chandler joined us, and this week it all clicked,” said Tomlinson. The Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive line honor is a testament to the team’s midseason trades, which brought in Jones and Tomlinson to address longstanding weaknesses. “We knew we needed to upgrade the D-line, and these guys have exceeded every expectation,” McDaniels said. Defensive Player Honors Highlight Week for the Las Vegas Raiders shows that the Las Vegas Raiders’ line recognition is a validation of their front-office strategy—proving that targeted trades can transform a struggling unit into a league standout.

In addition to league and media honors, the Las Vegas Raiders’ defense was celebrated locally, with the Las Vegas Sports Commission naming linebacker Denzel Perryman the “Raiders Defensive Player of the Week” for his leadership and on-field performance. Perryman recorded 8 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and a key fourth-quarter stop, where he tackled Chargers running back Austin Ekeler for a 2-yard loss on third-and-1 to force a punt. Beyond his stats, Perryman’s leadership was evident: he called out plays from the huddle, motivated his teammates during timeouts, and helped adjust the defense to counter the Chargers’ late-game tactics. “Denzel is the heart and soul of our defense,” Graham said. “He’s the guy who keeps everyone focused, and he leads by example every single play. This local honor is a reflection of how much he means to this team and this city.” The Las Vegas Raiders’ local award is a way to connect the team with its fanbase, as Perryman— a Las Vegas native—has deep ties to the community. “Being recognized by the Las Vegas Sports Commission means the world to me,” Perryman said. “This city has supported me my whole life, and I’m proud to represent it every time I step on the field.” Defensive Player Honors Highlight Week for the Las Vegas Raiders underscores that the Las Vegas Raiders’ local honor bridges on-field success with community pride, strengthening the bond between the team and its fans.

The final honor of the week for the Las Vegas Raiders’ defense came from NFL Network, which featured the team’s fourth-quarter defensive stand against the Chargers in its “Play of the Week” segment. The stand included Jones’ game-sealing sack, Robertson’s pass deflection, and Perryman’s tackle for loss—all in the final 3 minutes of the game—to preserve the Raiders’ win. NFL Network analysts praised the Raiders’ defensive discipline and execution, noting that the stand was a “perfect example of how a defense can win a game.” For the Las Vegas Raiders’ defense, the national spotlight is a chance to change perceptions. “For so long, people talked about our defense as a weakness,” Jones said. “Now we’re being featured on NFL Network for winning plays—that’s a big shift.” The honor also fuels the team’s confidence as they head into a tough stretch of games. “When you get recognized like this, it makes you want to work even harder to keep that momentum going,” Robertson said. Defensive Player Honors Highlight Week for the Las Vegas Raiders concludes that the Las Vegas Raiders’ week of defensive honors is more than a collection of awards—it’s a turning point for the team’s season. By celebrating their defensive stars, the Raiders are sending a message to the league: their defense is now a force to be reckoned with, and they’re just getting started on their playoff push.