5 Pleasant surprises early on at Las Vegas Raiders training camp
Arden Key
Arden Key is one of the more interesting story-lines to keep an eye on this year. The arrival of esteemed defensive line coach Rod Marinelli could be just what the young pass rusher needs to elevate his game to the next level.
A recent Sports Illustrated article declared “Arden Key is playing out of his mind. He is flourishing under Rod Marinelli. He listens, gives 100 percent effort, and doesn’t repeat mistakes. He is playing like a starter. Will he? Who knows, but he is playing with confidence and looks agile, hostile, and mobile.” We’ve been here before, so why believe the hype? Key isn’t just drawing praise from observers, but coaches as well.
Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther recently said in an interview “He wasn’t playing bad before he got hurt last year.” Which could be the reason why the staff opted to keep him instead of Dion Jordan, who was signed after Key was injured.
Guenther went on to say “He’s not satisfied with what he’s done so far…he’s got a chip on his shoulder.” Certainly if Key can produce as a sub-rusher it will aid in defending the high flying aerial assaults in the AFC West.