Las Vegas Raiders: Handing out the 2020 Third Quarter Awards
Defensive Rookie of the Quarter – None
Yet again we regret to inform you that we will have to not give anyone this award, just like we did for the midseason award. Damon Arnette and Amik Robertson are the only candidates for this award, and neither of them has made much of an impact due to injury and just not being ready for the spotlight.
Robertson has played just four snaps in the last four games, even with all of the injuries to Raiders’ defensive backs, so we know that the coaching staff does not trust him yet. We had high hopes for him to come in and make an impact right away but he is not even getting looks on special teams so any impact will have to wait for next season.
Speaking of injury, Arnette has essentially missed the last two games due to concussions despite starting both of them. The rookie cornerback was injured on the first series against both the Falcons and Jets and as a result made no impact on either of those games.
Against Denver, Arnette and the entire defense played a solid game, but he had a tough outing against the Kansas City Chiefs. He drew a tough assignment against All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce, so he can’t be faulted for giving up a nearly 80% completion rate, but there have been flashes of ability for the youngster.
Arnette could be given this award by default but playing just half the games in the quarter makes him an unworthy candidate for the recognition. Hopefully, he can stay on the field in the final 4 games of the season.
Honorable Mention: None