How to climb out of the pit of despair? It's an existential question every down-and-out NFL franchise has faced and it's a literal question that poor guy who got drop kicked into a bottomless pit in "300" was probably asking.
Right now, the Oakland Raiders, who have not enjoyed a winning season since 2003, are asking themselves that very question. Fortunately, they may have started to form an answer. Second-year quarterback Derek Carr showed promise last season and the Raiders helped his development by drafting Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper this year.
"I'd love to present some intrigue here and pick a dark horse option," ESPN Raiders reporter Bill Williamson wrote when asked who Oakland's impact rookie will be. "But I have to keep it simple - it's Amari Cooper. Cooper, who had an SEC-record 124 catches last season at Alabama, is the perfect pick for Oakland. He will instantly be the Raiders' best receiver. Andre Holmes led the Raiders with 693 receiving yards last year. Cooper had 26 catches of 20 yards or longer. What makes Cooper so special? He will immediately make 2014 second-round pick, quarterback Derek Carr, better. Carr had his moments last season - he threw 21 touchdowns passes without many weapons. The Carr-Cooper combination could be key to Oakland becoming relevant again in the AFC West."
Cooper is one of the most polished and NFL-ready receivers in recent memory. His route running is above-average, something that can't be said for most rookie pass-catchers, and he offers a unique blend of solid size (6-foot-1, 211 pounds) and speed (4.42 40-yard dash). His effect on the franchise QB in the making cannot be understated.
If Carr can take a leap in his second year, aided by Cooper and an improving Oakland defense, than the Raiders will be one step closer to respectability.