Tough Loss Points to Bright Future For Oakland Raiders

Oct 12, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Brice Butler (12) scores on a 47 yard pass from Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (not pictured) during the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

 New Weapon

Brice Butler is 6’3″, 212 pounds, a great route runner, has a 40-inch vertical leap, great hands and he’s the fastest receiver the Raiders have. And from seeing what he did Sunday, you can add ability to run after the catch to his list of talents. That blend of  talents is what makes a No. 1 receiver so the playing time he’s getting now is going to finish developing him into a No. 1 receiver.

For those that don’t know, Butler was right up there with A.J. Green and Julio Jones as the top receivers out of high school. Not being Lane Kiffin’s guy at USC after Pete Carol left to coach the Seattle Seahawks is why he’s not a 1st-round pick. I like Andre Holmes a lot as a deep threat but Butler has better hands, runs better routes and runs better after the catch so Butler is my bet for No. 1 receiver.

Allen just held him back until he was fired then Sparano gave him the opportunity to show off that big-time talent he has on Sunday. Butler and Holmes should be the starting receivers with James Jones in the slot to make plays on third down. Two deep threats on the outside would open up the running game and help Jones catch 100 balls underneath.