Sep 21, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; Oakland Raiders receiver Andre Holmes (18) is defended by New England Patriots cornerback Logan Ryan (26) at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Bring Him Back
I once thought receiver Denarius Moore should have been used more to go deep but if he can’t catch a 4-yarder, forget it. Carr’s quarterback rating is a paltry 29.9 when throwing to him so their connection from the preseason didn’t carry over. Meanwhile, with limited targets, Andre Holmes gives Carr’s a rating of 91.9, good for third on the team behind Jones (137.3) and injured Rod Streater (112.3)
Holmes went into the preseason a starter then dropped passes and a strong preseason by Moore put Holmes on the bench. But Moore just lost a game with a drop for a coach whose job is on the line so it’s time to give Holmes another chance. The 6’4″, 210-pound Holmes has size, speed, and knows how to go up and high-point a football in the vertical game.
Hopefully, Holmes has learned from all the drops he’s had because the Raiders need someone to stretch the field. The skill-set he showed on his 29-yard catch against the Patriots is what the Raiders need for the offense to click the way it should. Carr has great placement on his fade-route throws so if Holmes holds on to the ball, this could work.