Snap Counts Week 17: Curtis Riley steps up in starting safety role

The Raiders utilized many different starting safeties across the 2019 season, but on Sunday they turned to Curtis Riley, who played in all but two of the 61 defensive snaps.

Riley responded with his best game of the season, leading the team with 7 solo tackles, including one that went for a loss. In a contract year, the Raiders basically gave Riley an extended tryout against the Broncos, and he showed them and other teams that he’s worthy of a roster spot next season.

Tyrell Williams played in only 29 percent of snaps, as his plantar fasciitis seemed to get worse and worse as the season wore on. Williams was a disappointment for the Raiders this year, but I expect the team to bring him back next year to see what he can do when healthy and in a lesser role.

In Williams stead, Marcell Ateman played 71 percent of snaps, providing mixed results on the field. The diving catch that Ateman made on 4th and 2 during the final drive was clutch, something Williams hasn’t been this season.

Lamarcus Joyner played just 59 percent of snaps and was bullied quite often by Courtland Sutton. The Broncos appeared to be seeking out Joyner, trying to put Sutton in the slot whenever he was in to capitalize and a major size mismatch.

Joyner will be an interesting case this season. He’s been great during his career as a free safety, but was subpar in the nickel corner role the Raiders pigeonholed him in this season.