Sep 21, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) tries to bring down Oakland Raiders wide receiver James Jones (89) by grabbing his shirt during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Bottom Line
Outside linebacker Sio Moore is a great pass-rusher so when he gets back, he should start over Woodley with Mack in that 3-4. And with the Steelers injury situation at outside linebacker got me to fantasize about trading Wooldey back to the Steelers for Darius Heyward-Bey. Okay, okay, I’ll stop but with the receiver situation the way he is now, the Raiders might as well do it. (ha-ha)
Jones is a slot receiver that would have 100 catches this year if the Raiders had two receivers that could stretch the field. But Moore has probably lost more confidence in himself than Allen has and Louis Murphy probably can’t cross the pond in time. Therefore, the Raiders are going to have to manufacture a couple from within for now and Butler and Holmes are the best candidates.
I believe Holmes can give the Raiders a little something as a high-point man as that’s what he has shown in his three years. I’m a little more intrigued with Butler and his No. 1 receiver type talent that may just need a chance to get comfortable. The only way the Raiders can develop him any more is to let him get out there and get his feet fully wet.
Either way, the Raiders need to go down field to open things up with someone because the offense won’t work otherwise. Three yards and a cloud of dust followed by a 3-yard completion all day never did and never will work. Even the 1960s Green Bay Packers threw the ball down the field at times to go with their sweep and short passes.
Just win baby!