5 realistic expectations for the Oakland Raiders in Week 8

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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 24: Outside linebacker Bruce Irvin No. 51 of the Oakland Raiders puts quarterback Andrew Luck No. 12 of the Indianapolis Colts flat on his back in the endzone at the start of the fourth quarter on December 24, 2016 at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders won 33-25. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

Bruce Irvin actually shows up

After the team’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks, defensive end Bruce Irvin said he was more concerned with going home and making babies. While it may have seemed like a funny statement at the time, it showed that he has more things than helping the Raiders win on his mind, which is not something you want to hear from a captain after a terrible loss.

In all honest, Irvin is a much better player than he has shown this season, and the Raiders do have a lot more talent in the interior of the defensive line than they have had in years. He should be getting sacks on a weekly basis, but instead, he has only three this season, and has only four quarterback hits throughout.

Arden Key is a nice compliment on the other side, and Maurice Hurst and PJ Hall are getting better every week. The problem is, Irvin is such a big part of what the Raiders do on defense, and the hope is he will actually show up and dominate a very weak Colts offensive line on Sunday.

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