Indianapolis Colts at Oakland Raiders: 5 takeaways from Week 8

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OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: Gareon Conley #21 of the Oakland Raiders intercepts a pass intended for Antonio Callaway #11 of the Cleveland Browns and runs in back for a touchown at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Gareon Conley needs to stay a starter

The Raiders said they wanted to see more of Gareon Conley, and they certainly did on Sunday, as he played nearly every defensive snap. Conley played very well against the Colts, as he was targeted five times on Sunday in 35 coverage plays according to Pro Football Focus.

While some believe that Conley played a lot on Sunday because he is going to get traded this Tuesday, I really think this coaching staff want to see what they have in him. He is by far the most talented cornerback on this roster, and if the organization would just give him the time to develop, he could be the kind of shutdown guy you can base a secondary around.

If he does stay with the Raiders after the trade deadline, Conley has to remain a starter the rest of the way, and they have to take the good with the bad when it comes to him. That is the only way he is going to get better, and ten more games of tape should let the Raiders know what they have in him.

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