Chiefs Expose Concern with Raiders Breakout Rookie

Hezekiah Masses has been one of the biggest surprises for the Las Vegas Raiders through the first month of the season.

The Kansas City Chiefs may have provided the rookie cornerback with his first major reality check.

Kansas City repeatedly challenged Masses during Sunday's 30-27 victory over Las Vegas, targeting him seven times, according to Athlon Sports, citing Pro Football Focus.

Masses allowed four receptions for 62 yards and two touchdowns on those targets.

That was a significant change for a fifth-round pick who quickly emerged as one of the NFL's most productive rookie defensive backs.

Masses entered Sunday's game with three interceptions through his first three NFL games.

Two of those came against Justin Herbert in his first career start, when Masses finished with five tackles, two pass deflections and a tackle for loss in the Raiders' 26-14 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.

That performance earned Masses league-wide recognition, and he remained in the starting lineup after Darien Porter suffered a foot injury.

Masses followed that performance with another interception in Las Vegas' 35-27 victory over the New Orleans Saints.

Kansas City wasn't deterred by his early success.

Masses played 58 of the Raiders' 60 defensive snaps Sunday, but the Chiefs consistently tested the rookie in coverage.

The performance raises an interesting question for the Raiders now that Porter is healthy again.

Porter returned against New Orleans after missing time with his foot injury, but Masses remained the starter. Porter played only three defensive snaps against Kansas City while Masses was on the field for 97% of the Raiders' defensive plays.

That suggests Las Vegas isn't ready to move away from the rookie after one difficult game.

Masses has already shown why the Raiders were willing to give him an opportunity. His aggressive style and ability to make plays on the football helped him quickly move up the depth chart after Las Vegas selected him in the fifth round of April's draft.

But Sunday's game also provided a reminder of the challenges that come with relying on a rookie cornerback.

The Raiders have plenty of reasons to remain encouraged by what Masses has done through four games.

Now they'll find out how their breakout rookie responds after an opposing offense finally made him pay.