Las Vegas Raiders MVP and other awards after first quarter of 2020 season
Defensive Rookie of the Quarter – CB Damon Arnette
First round cornerback Damon Arnette was the only candidate for this award but he made himself worthy with some solid performances after he was thrown to the wolves early on. Arnette was named the starter in camp and apparently looked good enough to convince the Raiders to let go of free agent signing Prince Amukamara.
According to Pro Football Reference, Arnette has been targeted 11 times in his three games and given up 9 completions for 110 yards. That is not a great percentage of course, but it is part of the learning curve for a young defensive back. While he has struggled at times in coverage, Arnette has shown that he is not afraid of contact and has recorded 13 tackles so far.
Unfortunately for Arnette, he was placed on injured reserve after week three due to a thumb injury and it may be quite some time before we see him back on the field. The second quarter award does not have any obvious candidates unless Amik Robertson or Javin White are forced into duty.