5 realistic expectations for the Oakland Raiders in Week 4

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 05: Derek Carr No. 4 of the Oakland Raiders of the Oakland Raiders celebrates a touchdown during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 05: Derek Carr No. 4 of the Oakland Raiders of the Oakland Raiders celebrates a touchdown during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 03: BruceIrvin No. 51 and Khalil Mack No. 52 of the Oakland Raiders celebrate after a play against the New York Giants during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 3, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 03: BruceIrvin No. 51 and Khalil Mack No. 52 of the Oakland Raiders celebrate after a play against the New York Giants during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 3, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

They can get to the quarterback

Sure, the pass rush has been sorry the first three weeks of the season, but the Cleveland Browns are also not good at protecting their signal-callers either. The Browns rank third-to-last in the league in sacks allowed, as they have allowed 14 on the season, so the opportunity is there for the Raiders to get in Baker Mayfield’s face on Sunday.

Arden Key had his best game as a pro last weekend, and should continue to get better each week. Bruce Irvin needs to step up and actually be the leader of this defense, because if he doesn’t, there is no way this front for the Raiders is ever going to have success.

If Maurice Hurst continues to improve, and the team gets PJ Hall back, they will be complete up front. That means pressure in the middle, which should lead to the Raiders getting two or more sacks against the Browns.

Schedule