Los Angeles Rams at Oakland Raiders: 3 Things we learned

Nice Flashes from Arden Key

In 2018, Arden Key perfected the art of the “almost sack” which led to him only having one total sack in his rookie season. This offseason, he took the necessary mindset to improve, and you’ve heard very positive things in training camp. And in the first half, he had some lovely pass rush moves that could get fans excited.

It does have to be mentioned that the Rams backup offensive line looks to be a disaster, but often times Key couldn’t consistently beat these level of players his rookie year.

Key finished with two QB hits plus a sack on Rams QB Brandon Allen on third down in the red zone. On his first QB hit earlier in the game, he was just a second late as Blake Bortles got rid of the ball just as Key got there. Overall he showed great burst off the edge and bend around the edge which is paramount to being a pass rusher in the NFL.

Key also made excellent tackles on read-option plays which were a sight for sore eyes considering his below average play against the last season.

The Raiders are going to ask a lot from their young pass rushers in 2019 and Key may be the most talented of the bunch. If he can finish plays this year, he could be on the verge of a very productive sophomore season.

As stated earlier these were backup linemen, but you’re supposed to dominate lesser competition and Key did just that.