Oakland Raiders: Top 5 takeaways from Saturday’s preseason opener
By Justin Fried
2. Arden Key looks vastly improved
Now that we’ve talked at length about three of the lesser important position battles this preseason, let’s switch gears and discuss something that should get Raiders fans pretty excited.
It’s been well-documented how awful the Raiders pass rush was last season — 13 sacks in 16 games only tell a part of the story. That’s why an emphasis was clearly placed on improving the team’s edge rush this offseason.
But aside from offseason additions, the Raiders were also counting on improvement from one player in particular. That player is 2018 third-round pick Arden Key.
Key has shown flashes of greatness throughout his football career but looked one step behind last season and struggled his way to just one sack in 16 games. Even for a guy who wasn’t supposed to start going into the season, it’s safe to say that the Raiders expected a bit more.
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But the LSU product added some weight to his slight frame this offseason and if Saturday’s performance is any indication, it’s apparent that he hasn’t lost any of his speed or athleticism.
Key made a swift swim move bending around the block of rookie left tackle Bobby Evans to secure the Raiders only sack of the night. Again, this wasn’t All-Pro left tackle Andrew Whitworth, but rather a third-round rookie.
Still, Key made his presence felt all night long and looked stronger, faster, and ultimately smarter.
His offseason work may have paid off and if so, you could pencil in Key as the Week 1 starter opposite Clelin Ferrell on the edge.