5 realistic expectations for the Oakland Raiders in Week 15

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 09: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates with tight end Lee Smith #86 after after a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum on December 9, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-21. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 09: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates with tight end Lee Smith #86 after after a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum on December 9, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-21. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 09: Arden Key #99 of the Oakland Raiders puts the pass pressure on quarterback Joshua Dobbs #5 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 9, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 09: Arden Key #99 of the Oakland Raiders puts the pass pressure on quarterback Joshua Dobbs #5 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 9, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Raiders notch more than one sack

One big issue with this Raiders team is their inability to get after the quarterback, which has been a glaring deficiency since the team traded Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears prior to the season. On Sunday, the Raiders have a good chance to actually get after Bengals quarterback Jeff Driskel, as Clint Boling and Cordy Glenn have been limited at practice this week.

Glenn is the team’s starting left tackle, so if he cannot go, expect Arden Key to have a monster game on Sunday. Key has gotten better every week, and not only is he getting better at getting pressure, but is also starting to keep contain on the edges, showing the Raiders could have struck gold in the third round this past April.

Cincinnati has done a nice job all season long protecting their quarterbacks against pressure, as they currently are tied for 21st in the league in sacks allowed. Still, they are banged up along the offense line, and the Raiders are starting to really gel as a unit up front.

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