Oakland Raiders: How Antonio Brown improves the passing game

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 08: Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs the ball in the 4th quarter of the game against the Oakland Raiders at Heinz Field on November 8, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 08: Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs the ball in the 4th quarter of the game against the Oakland Raiders at Heinz Field on November 8, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
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PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 08: Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries Oakland Raiders defenders after catching a pass in the 4th quarter of the game at Heinz Field on November 8, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 08: Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries Oakland Raiders defenders after catching a pass in the 4th quarter of the game at Heinz Field on November 8, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Dropped Passes

Derek Carr had little to work with last season in terms of receiving corps, so it is understandable that the chemistry between number four under center and the Raiders receivers left much to be desired. But in many cases, Carr was not at fault if his receivers were unable to haul in perfectly timed passes (this was an issue even before Gruden’s return last year).

Enter Antonio Brown, who has 576 catches to his name since 2014 (more than any other receiver). Just look at his Hall-of-Fame highlight reel and there are so many instances of Brown hauling in a catch that any receiver would have no business connecting on. But as we all know, Antonio Brown is no ordinary receiver.

One of the traits of Carr’s MVP 2016 season was his confidence in his receivers. He’d simply place the ball in their area, and trust them to make the play. As long as Derek Carr has that confidence in 2019, look forward to Antonio Brown doing his job for some highlight reel AB – DC connections.

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