Oakland Raiders Week 14 review: 3 studs and 3 duds
By Kenny King
Stud: Rico Gafford
The Raiders wide receivers have failed to gain separation from defenders in recent weeks, and in the week leading up to the game, Jon Gruden stated that he intends to create a spark to shake things up. After releasing Trevor Davis, who had a costly fumble and failed conversion on a crucial 4th down play in the previous week vs the Kansas City Chiefs, Rico Gafford was activated for the game.
Not only did Gafford make his debut, but he did it in style, hauling in his first NFL catch for a 49-yard touchdown. The catch tied the game up at 14 in the second quarter, and for Gafford, he just happened to get lost in the Black Hole.
Gafford, who was a standout in the preseason for his speed and play making ability was a bright spot on this offense, a clear playmaker that can stretch the field and provide the Raiders another passing option in a depleted wide receiver group. Oakland needs playmakers the rest of the way, and Gafford could be an answer.