Oakland Raiders: How Antonio Brown improves the passing game

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

Lining up in the slot

The slot receiver is becoming more and more vital to an explosive NFL offense. Julian Edelman won Super Bowl MVP doing damage in the slot, Cooper Kupp is a threat for the Los Angeles Rams, and Tyreek Hill torches Oakland twice a year. Now, the Raiders can return the favor with their newly acquired wideout.

Gruden loves to keep defenses guessing, and making them locate your number one receiving threat is a great way to do just that. When used properly, Brown can do plenty of damage in the slot, and the slot position has been especially kind to older receivers.

At 31 years old Brown still has some prime years left but being used in the slot can reduce the wear on tear on Oakland’s number one receiver.

Next. 5 reasons the Raiders won the Antonio Brown trade. dark

Oakland needs a slot receiver and could very well still draft one in April, but it’s great to have a receiver like Brown who can play the X, Y or Z receiver positions. Think of those third-and-short situations only now, you can be confident that a Carr to Brown connection can convert and move the chains.

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