Oakland Raiders Week 1 review: 3 stars and 3 duds
3 Down
Trayvon Mullen
This will likely be one of the few times Trayvon Mullen is a dud for the Raiders, but on Monday night, he looked like a rookie against a stud wide receiver in Emmanuel Sanders. Mullen was thrown into a rough spot, as he had to replace Gareon Conley, who left the game on a stretcher due to an injury to his neck. Mullen will rebound from this, and the Raiders need him in Week 2, as the Kansas City Chiefs come to town.
Arden Key
Again, the defense as a whole was solid Monday night, so it’s tough to pick holes in an otherwise strong performance. But there’s always room for improvement, and that can also be said for Arden Key. Key registered just one assisted tackle on the night, and early in the game very well could have come away with a sack but just missed it. In order to keep the pass rush consistent, we need to see week-to-week improvement and that goes for Arden Key as well.
Next. Oakland Raiders bring back Keelan Doss. dark
Hunter Renfrow
With Gruden having to alter the offense a bit, focusing on different players and maximizing their strengths, Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller looked to be the top two benefactors. Waller was surely prominent in the passing game, but Renfrow was relatively quiet (three targets, two catches for 13 yards). One of those receptions was vital in setting up a Josh Jacobs touchdown, but the hope is that Renfrow gets a little more involved in the offense as the season rolls along. Renfrow can be dangerous in the slot, and against a high powered Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2, look for Renfrow to get involved and bump up his stock.