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ALAMEDA – Arden Key has taken a long way towards the quarterback. The Raiders 'rummy edge rusher used curvature, athleticism and quality hand fights to get around the Seattle Seahawks' right tackle and put it in their pocket. Russell Wilson was turning away from Key, but the LSU product was shut down quickly and returned a quarterback for the first time as a professional.
Veteran Bruce Irvin approached his protégé and said only a few words.
"About time."
Key had been close several times in five games, but had not finished his job. He has finally returned home in his best effort so far, with a sack and four squeeze in a 27-3 loss to Seattle.
Results matter more than the games that created them. Key does not have the taste for a job well done. But let's be honest here. The Raiders clearly play the long game. The results of the 2018 season matter little in their grand scheme.
Coaches strive to encourage young talent, where appropriate, and use veterans to correct other weaknesses in order to remain competitive on Sunday.
The Raiders play well three rookie rookie defensive line players, whose development has been a rare bright spot during a dark period.
The fifth-round defensive tackle, Maurice Hurst, was the best and most consistent. Key becomes more and more efficient in the pass, and last week we had more opportunities to play against the race. Second-row domestic lineman P.J. Hall was slowed by a sprained ankle – it cost him two games – but slowly began to make an impact.
Most recruits are not invited to play as fast, but the Raiders have no choice. They are lean, especially after Khalil Mack's transfer to the Chicago Bears. Hurst, Hall and Key did not ignite the world – the Raiders' rush is among the worst in the league, but they learn and grow on the fly.
"It's hard for them. It's hard for them, "said head coach Jon Gruden. "These are three novice players. I do not know if there are three D-Lineman recruits or two rookie forwards who play so much in other teams. Physically, it's a challenge. They will compete with adult men in their fourth, fifth, sixth and eighth grades. They are in the trenches. They see patterns and combinations that are difficult to manage.
"I thought Hurst had recognized the pitfalls, I thought he'd managed to get out of the blocks, I saw Key make his first bag, I thought PJ Hall was flying again like it was. he was in a training camp, I think they'll continue to get better, I know that they have to prove it. "
There is a link between Key, Hurst and Hall, which has come closer to this common experience. They take root and help each other technically if necessary. They know they will play together for at least the next seasons and want to develop and form a formidable defensive front.
"We really have a connection," said Hall. "We know we'll be here for a while, which is good because we like to play together. I think we are trying to build chemistry and hope it will help us all play better as we move forward.
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