2018 Raiders: 5 players who need a strong training camp
Connor Cook
Another training camp, another quarterback competition. Well… backup quarterback competition in the Raiders case. Last year, EJ Manuel had beaten out Connor Cook for the number two spot. Will it be the same for this season? Time is running out on Cook. We haven’t heard a single positive thing about him. No growth or progression. Nothing.
Gruden was brought in to help salvage Derek Carr back into the elite quarterback he was in 2016. Gruden can also help Cook elevate his play now that Cook actually has a coach who understands the position.
Gruden wasn’t as critical of Connor Cook as I was. “Still some rough edges,” Gruden said, adding backup QB competition is “wide open.”
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) June 13, 2018
Gruden is going to be patient with Cook. He likely acknowledges the poor coaching he’s had since he’s been in the NFL. It’s fair to do so since the last coaching regime couldn’t develop a single rookie. Cook mustn’t let this chance slip away from him.
If he can’t beat Manuel this season it’s going to start wearing on the coaches, especially since he hasn’t had any good looks since the Raiders took the field this offseason.
Derek Carr continues strong spring. Fitting ball into tight windows in 7-on-7, including on long strike to Amari Cooper. Connor Cook inconsistent. Bad INT past three practices open to media, today’s by S Dallin Leavitt.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) June 13, 2018
Connor Cook’s poor play all offseason could be getting to his head, but he mustn’t succumbed to it. When it comes to training camp he must forget all his errors prior and have short term memory during camp. Gruden will be patient with him, but not stubborn.
Training camp and preseason will be his last chance to beat out EJ Manuel. The moment the team starts their first scrimmage in camp, Cook needs to come out firing on all cylinders if he doesn’t want to revert back into street clothes come game day.