5 realistic expectations for the Oakland Raiders in Week 8

By Brad Weiss | Oct 27, 2018

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 24: Running back Jalen Richard #30 of the Oakland Raiders picks up 12 yards against inside linebacker Edwin Jackson #53 of the Indianapolis Colts in the second quarter on December 24, 2016 at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders won 33-25. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 14: Maurice Hurst of Oakland Raiders looks on ahead of the NFL International series match between Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders at Wembley Stadium on October 14, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /

The rookies continue to improve

If there is one silver lining to this season, and to the future of the franchise, it is how well the rookies have fared this season. First round pick Kolton Miller is a legitimate left tackle when he is healthy, and guys like PJ Hall and Maurice Hurst have been solid in the middle of the defensive line.

Arden Key is rounding into a very good edge rusher in year one, and while we have not seen much from Nick Nelson this season, he figures to be a part of the plan moving forward. Brandon Parker will get another start at right tackle, as he continues to find his way in the NFL, and Marcell Ateman will make his NFL debut on Sunday.

One player I would like to see more out of is punter Johnny Townsend, whom the Raiders took with one of their fifth round picks this past April. He has not looked like an NFL punter so far, and while you can blame any number of factors, the fact is he has been a liability in year one.

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