Todd Downing Ready To Elevate Oakland Raiders Offense

Todd Downing, the new Offensive Coordinator of the Oakland Raiders, recently spoke to both Bay Area reporters and 95.7 The Game.

Shortly after the 2016 season ended for the Oakland Raiders, the team announced multiple changes to the coaching staff. One of those changes was the departure of Offensive Coordinator Bill Musgrave, with Quarterbacks Coach Todd Downing taking over that role.

Much of Raider Nation took issue with Musgrave over his two seasons in Oakland, whether it was due to a conservative game plan, predictability, or a number of different reasons. So when Downing was announced as the new offensive coordinator, it’s safe to say many were excited.

Downing recently joined Greg Papa and Bonta Hill on 97.5 The Game, the flagship radio station of the Raiders.

He broke down his new role, and shared his enthusiasm in getting started.

"“You know we wanna be able to be a little bit more deliberate with our huddle and our line of scrimmage skirmish procedure. And there are also will certainly be times when we wanna get up on the ball and go fast. We’ll work through that on a case by case basis but I feel very confident that if we ask Derek to do more of that stuff he’ll handle it with flying colors.”"

Downing commented on his relationship with Oakland’s franchise quarterback:

"“My relationship with Derek really starts where we both love to come to work each day. We really respect the heck out of each other. And when you when you have that kind of relationship between any coach, whether its position coach, or coordinator, head coach and quarterback. You’re taking a step in the right direction.”"

As Carr looks to bounce back from the injury that derailed his MVP-caliber season, all eyes will be on how Downing performs in his first season in this new role, particularly with the run game. Of course, having Mike Tice come back will certainly help as far as continuity goes, and oh, having that dominant offensive line will surely help.

"“We did a great job of putting together run game plans all last year,” Downing said. “One of the strengths of our staff is that we have a lot of talented run game minds, led by Mike Tice. I anticipate those run game plans being as dynamic as they were last year, and I anticipate leaning on the run game as we did last year, and certainly situationally."

Downing had a conference call with Bay Area reporters the day prior, where he elaborated on several different aspects of his role and his expectations.

One thing that stood out was his interest in giving Derek Carr more command of the offense:

"“Where I see him needing a little bit more command is sharing his thoughts of game plans … vocalize what he likes and doesn’t like,” Downing said. “I think my relationship with him is something that’s going to give him the opportunity to voice his opinions. I look forward to him really taking charge of expressing his thoughts on the offense.”"

Downing played his cards right down the middle, explaining that he is just as committed to running the ball as he is passing it.

"“I am as committed to the run game as I am to the pass game,” Downing said. “My vision for this offense is right in line with how we see it as a staff and how coach Del Rio sees it as the leader of our staff. I don’t anticipate that as a rocky road to walk down.”"

Next: Eric Berry Would Be Welcomed In Oakland

But he went on to say that he understands this is a quarterback-driven league, while complimenting Derek Carr.

"“I’ve collected a lot of information and learned as much as I could,” Downing said. “I’m in tune to the needs of the quarterback position and what it needs to be successful. It’s a quarterback-driven league and we’re very, very fortunate to have the one we have in Oakland."