Antonio Brown to play for Oakland Raiders in Week 1
By Daniel Davis
The Oakland Raiders were preparing for the Denver Broncos and doing so without Antonio Brown. New reports suggest differently.
The Oakland Raiders looked to be heading into their Week 1 matchup with the Denver Broncos without their brand new star wide receiver, as Antonio Brown flipped out in general manager Mike Mayock Wednesday. However, after issuing an emotional apology on Friday, it looks like AB may be in the fold for Monday.
For Oakland, having AB in the lineup is crucial if they want to beat a very good Broncos defense through the air. Derek Carr threw for over 4,000 yards last season with little talent at wideout, and Brown is the best wide receiver he has played with.
Overall, this is a very interesting scenario.
According to Ian Rapoport on twitter, the Raiders are considering not suspending him and letting him play against Denver.
Here is a sense of how quickly things are changing in Oakland: Yesterday, #Raiders coach Jon Gruden told people AB was not in their plans for Monday. Now, I hear… there is a real chance he not only does not get suspended but actually plays. Wild times
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 6, 2019
Wild times, indeed. Antonio Brown was traded for by the Raiders in the off season after contract negotiations broke down between him and the Steelers. Reports had been coming out the past few years about him and quarterback Ben Rothlesburger’s estranged relationship. However, the media made Ben out to be the problem rather than Brown.
Turns out everyone was wrong, based on what we have seen from him so far in the Silver and Black. Mayock is a no-nonsense GM, and this could be Brown’s last chance in Oakland.
Having Brown on the field instantly helps Tyrell Williams and Derek Carr and puts Chris Harris on Brown instead of on Williams for the whole game. Brown commands attention due to his skill set and speed and he does make this offense a better.
Oakland finished the 2018 season with only four wins, and have done a tremendous job revamping this roster. If AB can keep his head on straight for the next four months, they have the talent to make noise in a very tough AFC West.