The Oakland Raiders firmly believe that second-year quarterback Derek Carr can develop into a bona fide franchise quarterback. But to do so, they know he'll need some help. That is why they spent the majority of the offseason trying to improve the weapons around him. The most notable additions are No. 4 overall pick Amari Cooper and free agent addition Michael Crabtree. Together, Oakland hopes the duo can reshape the team's passing game with Carr.
That process will start tonight in their first preseason game against the St. Louis Rams.
"Receivers Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper have been the story of camp thus far," ESPN Raiders reporter Bill Williamson wrote. "They are building a nice chemistry with quarterback Derek Carr. Crabtree and Cooper will probably play a drive or two against St. Louis. Still, watching these players work against an opponent during live game action will be intriguing."
The last time these two teams met was Week 13 last season and the Rams manhandled the Raiders 52-0. St. Louis marched out to a 38-0 lead at halftime and, obviously, never looked back. Even though it's only the first game of the preseason, the Raiders don't want a repeat performance.
Cooper figures to be the team's No. 1 receiver from day one while Crabtree is hoping to resurrect his career in Oakland. Both players will be counted on to alleviate pressure from Carr. Will they be able to do it?
Cooper has all the talent in the world and is one of the crispest route runners to come out of the draft in recent memory. He could top Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins' rookie numbers from last year. Crabtree, meanwhile, has looked good in camp following repeated injury woes with the San Francisco 49ers over the last few years. If healthy, the 27 year old receiver could once again prove to be an effective possession receiver and a valuable target for Carr in the passing game.
