5 realistic expectations for the Oakland Raiders in Week 9

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 16: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders throws a pass during the first quarter of a game against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on September 16, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 16: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders throws a pass during the first quarter of a game against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on September 16, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA – AUGUST 24: Arden Key #99 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after he sacked the quarterback against the Green Bay Packers during the second quarter of an NFL preseason football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 24, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – AUGUST 24: Arden Key #99 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after he sacked the quarterback against the Green Bay Packers during the second quarter of an NFL preseason football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 24, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Arden Key gets two sacks

Arden Key is one of the more dynamic young rookies on this Raiders roster, and he is getting better each and every week. This past Sunday, he took a bit of a step back, but that is only going to make him hungrier, and he should get his shots to make a play or two against the 49ers Thursday.

Key’s biggest strength is getting the edge, and the 49ers have shown this season that teams can get after their quarterbacks. Through the first eight games of the season, the 49ers have allowed nearly four sacks per game, and Key is a guy who may get the Raiders a couple of those in Week 9.

During his rookie season, Key only has only one sack, but he is going to get more opportunities, as the organization expects him to be an anchor on their defensive line for years to come. He is a guy who could end up being a double-digit sack guy in the league before long, and Thursday is a great opportunity for him to introduce himself to rest of the football world.

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