Linebacker reunion already paying off for Raiders

The reunion of linebackers Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker is already delivering dividends for the Las Vegas Raiders. Both players logged 100 percent of the defensive snaps in the season‑opening victory over the Miami Dolphins, helping limit the Dolphins to just two conversions on ten third‑down attempts in a 27‑13 triumph. It marked the first time Dean and Walker had taken the field together since their college days at Georgia. “It’s been a minute,” Dean said. “About 4 years. But it felt great to be able to do that again.” Their performance elevated the significance of the reunion. Dean and Walker shared the team lead with six tackles apiece, with Dean also recording a sack and a forced fumble while serving as the defensive play‑caller. Despite the stat sheet, the duo insists they measure success by personal standards rather than external accolades. “We care so much more about just trying to live up to our standard,” Dean explained. “That’s what matters to us. Because I feel like the standard we set for ourselves is higher than anyone can set for us.” That standard was forged during their national‑title‑winning seasons at Georgia. Joining them on Sunday was returning cornerback and fellow Georgia alum Eric Stokes, who played all 56 defensive snaps. The trio hopes to transplant the same level of execution to the NFL now that they are reunited in Las Vegas. Walker characterized the outing as a promising start, but emphasized that more work lies ahead. “I was pretty pleased with how we played as a group,” Walker said. “But I think we just played to our expectation and did what we were expected to do. We got the win. Now it’s a new week, so we’re trying to focus on that. It’s a road game (against the Los Angeles Chargers) and that always means more.” The Raiders’ defensive coordinator, Rob Leonard, pointed to the pair’s athleticism as a key factor in their acquisition. “Their athleticism helps a lot,” Leonard said. “That’s why we got them. I’m glad they’re here, and speed helps. It’s a space game.” Walker, 26, and Dean, 25, each signed three‑year contracts, positioning them to potentially form a long‑running tandem in the middle of the Raiders’ defense. Both expressed confidence that the arrangement will endure. Dean and Walker finalized their agreements on the opening day of free agency and have spent the intervening months visualizing what it would be like to take the field together again, this time with Stokes in the mix. “It felt pretty good to just look around and see them again,” Walker remarked. “‘It brought back memories.’” Their on‑field productivity reinforced that sentiment. Walker said he was not surprised they could uphold their own high bar, but he cautioned against resting after a single outcome. “It’s one thing to say it and another to actually do it,” Walker noted. “So that’s what I want to do. Just keep my confidence high and go out, make plays and help put my teammates in positions to make plays. Then just go from there.” While excited about how they fit into the Raiders’ defensive scheme, both linebackers also expressed faith in Leonard’s approach. “If anything else, Robbie always talks about the kind of play that matters the most,” Dean said. “The way we run to the ball. The way we tackle. The way we hit. The technique and kind of play over scheme and everything.” “That’s what he wants from us and we’ll just keep honing in on that.” Dean added that staying present remains a priority, a lesson he learned during his Super Bowl run with Philadelphia. “We don’t look too far ahead,” Dean said. “And we darn definitely aren’t looking back.” Walker admitted he is already anticipating the return of another former Georgia teammate. Star tight end Brock Bowers missed the opener after undergoing a minor knee procedure and has not practiced this week. “Unfortunately, we didn’t have Brock,” Walker said. “That’s when we’ll have the full experience.”