Just Blog Baby
FanSided

5 realistic expectations for the Oakland Raiders in Week 6

By Pete Hernandez III

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Derek Carr #4 and Johnny Townsend #5 congratulate Matt McCrane #3 of the Oakland Raiders after McCrane kicked the game-winning field goal in overtime against the Cleveland Browns at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Derek Carr #4 and Johnny Townsend #5 congratulate Matt McCrane #3 of the Oakland Raiders after McCrane kicked the game-winning field goal in overtime against the Cleveland Browns at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
CARSON, CA – OCTOBER 07: Wide receiver Amari Cooper #89 of the Oakland Raiders makes a catch in front of cornerback Casey Hayward #26 of the Los Angeles Chargers in the second quarter at StubHub Center on October 7, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA – OCTOBER 07: Wide receiver Amari Cooper #89 of the Oakland Raiders makes a catch in front of cornerback Casey Hayward #26 of the Los Angeles Chargers in the second quarter at StubHub Center on October 7, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Amari through the air

Amari Cooper recorded one catch on one target for 10 yards last week. It’s not rocket science to realize that cannot happen in back-to-back weeks. Over in Seattle the Legion of Boom is no more, and Oakland has to take advantage with Amari Cooper.

Through the first five games of the season whenever Cooper records a sub-par performance he follows up with a stellar game fitting of a former number four overall pick. It happened Week 2 when he picked up 116 yards, and it was the same story in Week 4 when he recorded 128 yards receiving and caught a touchdown on the day. Whether by play calling or by sheer will, Cooper has bounced back each week after an underwhelming game prior.

Despite Jon Gruden’s comments after their Week 5 loss to the Chargers, it doesn’t matter if the opposing defense takes your number one receiving threat out of the play, you cannot abandon looking for him in the air. Cooper is too talented to not acknowledge him in the passing game, so look for Sunday’s play calling theme to emphasize Amari through the air.

Home/Las Vegas Raiders News