Connor Cook and E.J. Manuel Will Compete to Improve Backup QB Situation

A little competition can go a long way. The Oakland Raiders hope that is exactly what will happen with the backup quarterback competition between Connor Cook and E.J. Manuel.

After the way the Oakland Raiders 2016 season ended, it was inevitable GM Reggie McKenzie would focus on bringing in a veteran QB to back up Derek Carr.

Connor Cook was serviceable against Denver, but with the rookie making his first NFL start against the Texans in the Wildcard game, he looked like a rookie. And a poor one at that.

Thrown in against the NFL’s #1 defense, it was tough to expect much. Cook gave even less than that, and Raider Nation became hysterical about the prospect of having to replace Carr for any amount of time in the near future.

Cook has the physical size at 6’4″ and 230 pounds, and the arm strength and tools for a viable NFL quarterback. He also has an abundance of confidence. What he doesn’t have is experience, or the immediate talent/wherewithal to overcome that lack of experience.

As befits his way, Reggie McKenzie combed the free agent market for value-based need fillers, and he found one in E.J. Manuel. Manuel signed a one-year prove-it deal last week.

As a former first-round pick, Manuel has exhibited talent. But in four seasons, he was never able to put it together in Buffalo and the Bills decided to let him walk.

McKenzie pounced. Knowing he had the leverage, McKenzie signed Manuel to a bargain-basement prove-it contract. One year, $800K, no guaranteed money. $640K cap hit in 2017, no dead money risk. Another brilliant low-risk contract, and this one has a potential high reward.

The Raiders showed last year they can beat anyone, but when Carr went down this was a different team. Matt McGloin had been a fan favorite with some nice moments in his time as backup with the Raiders. But his putrid performance against the Broncos in the season finale led to a serious crisis of confidence in his abilities.

This led to Cook starting the Texans game, despite it never happening in NFL history. The results were as expected.

Cook looked confused, lost, and ill-suited to play against the Texans, throwing many ill-advised passes that should’ve been intercepted. It was painful to watch, and no more so than for McKenzie. So he decided to do something about it should the situation arise again.

Manuel’s size, physical gifts and college pedigree make him intriguing. He has also stated he’s happy to compete for the backup job and brings no ego, just wants to help the team win.

In a chat with Raiders.com, he spoke about how his close relationship and history with new OC Todd Downing was a big factor in him joining the Raiders.

Manuel got picked #16 overall in the 2013 draft, the only QB taken in the first round that year. It was a lean year for QB’s which is certainly why Manuel went where he did. His great combine performance coupled with a weak QB class caused Manuel to get over-drafted. He’s suffered for it since.

He subsequently disappointed in Buffalo, with accuracy being by far his biggest issue. Despite being a first-round pick Manuel appeared in only 28 games for the Bills in his four years, starting 17 of them. His lack of consistency in the passing game and some minor injuries are the biggest factors. Manuel has a bit of a different take.

He has a career completion percentage of 58.3% and has topped 60% in a season only once. However, at 6’5″ and 240 pounds with 4.59 speed and gigantic hands, he has numerous physical gifts. He is a dual-threat, with over 300 yards and 4 TD’s on the ground in limited NFL time.

Manuel is intriguing as a backup, because he has NFL starting experience and enough talent that he made him a first-round pick. However, he hasn’t put it together on the field consistently in the NFL. Manuel has a chance to wipe the slate clean and get a fresh start. He’s got little pressure on him, and a great opportunity to show his talent. If he gets on the field.

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Expect Manuel to come in as the immediate backup, but for Cook to battle hard with him. Each of them have something to prove. Manuel is a former first-rounder on his last legs. Cook is a potential first-rounder who dropped due to attitude concerns and disappointed under pressure in 2016.

What Reggie McKenzie has done is bring in a potential viable backup quarterback for the bargain basement price of $800K. A former first round pick with physical gifts and actual NFL experience. Oh, and Manuel just turned 27 on March 19.

If he doesn’t work out, he at least provides competition and fire to push Cook to work to his limits. Iron sharpens iron. Competition is good. The more players vying for a single spot, the better the chance of getting the right one.

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Either way it’s a win-win situation for the Raiders. With Manuel in the mix and Cook a year wiser, the backup QB situation is looking better for 2017.

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