Notable Quotables: Oakland Raiders Week 4

Michael Crabtree

The only Raider more beloved this early season than Carr may be Crabtree. The two have built an incredible relationship in the year and a bit they’ve been together, and they trust each other implicitly.

Crabtree was asked by Deion Sanders on his NFL Network segment “If You Ball, You Get a Call” (the second time in four weeks King Crab’s gotten a call, by the way) how he’s balling out so hard this season. He simply responded:

"“Number 4 man. Kid can throw the ball. For real.”"

Carr wanted Crabtree here the minute it was possible, and he told reporters yesterday that he’s happy his relentless pursuit brought No. 15 to the Silver & Black:

"“When he became a free agent after my rookie year and he came to visit us, I tried everything I could to make sure he left our building a Raider,” Carr said to Raiders.com “I know the kind of talent he is. I’m so thankful that he chose to stay in the Bay Area. The guy is a game-changer, one of the best receivers in the league.”"

The next part of Carr’s quote shows the preternatural leadership the young man possesses, as he didn’t make any false promises to Crabtree when selling him:

"“I didn’t promise him catches or touchdowns, but I said that, if we worked hard and grew together, we could do something special.”"

So far that’s proving true, with two game-winning plays in four games for the connection. Del Rio is also happy to have Crabtree and has been pleasantly surprised with his leadership and mentoring of the younger players.

"“He has been a great leader for us. There were questions brought up (about that). That hasn’t been a part of what we’re getting. We’re getting a guy who is a great teammate, who works hard every day and is very friendly for our quarterback.”"