Oakland Raiders: How Antonio Brown improves the passing game

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PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 08: Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers catches a pass in front of David Amerson #29 of the Oakland Raiders during the game at Heinz Field on November 8, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) /

Vertical Threat

Flashback to Week 12 of last season and Derek Carr drops back under center, looking to connect with Marcell Ateman on the outside. Unfortunately, Ateman is just not fast enough to break away from the defensive back, and the vertical threat just isn’t there. After Saturday night’s transaction, somewhere Al Davis is smiling.

According to Pro Football Focus, Antonio Brown has gained 2044 yards on deep targets, averaging about 409 yards per season. Brown makes his money on the deep ball, and the reason he can do so is his route running ability to beat the defender lined up across from him.

Al Davis loved the vertical passing game, and we know Gruden loves to get creative with the offensive gameplan (it’s the reason he’s been lauded as an offensive guru). With Brown’s vertical threat traits, Carr should have no problem throwing the deep ball that made him an MVP candidate years back.

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