Raiders face tough task even without Michael Thomas playing Monday

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 01:Oakland Raiders players free safety Erik Harris #25, free safety Curtis Riley #35, cornerback Trayvon Mullen #27, cornerback Daryl Worley #20 and cornerback Nevin Lawson #26, pose after a defensive stop against the Kansas City Chiefs, during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium on December 1, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /

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Jared Cook as a member of the Raiders (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /

Raiders face tough task even without Michael Thomas playing Monday

Raiders remember Jared Cook well

After becoming Derek Carr‘s favorite receiving target, Cook left the Silver and Black in 2019 to become the third option in the high-powered Saints offense. He proved his worth hauling in nine touchdowns last season, tied for most on the team with none other than Michael Thomas.

Drew Brees historically loves his tight ends, dating back to his earlier Saints days where Jimmy Graham seemed to be on Sportscenter’s Top-10 every week.

The connection between Cook and Brees didn’t take long to come to fruition either, and this past Sunday they picked up right where they left off. Cook saw the second most targets behind Kamara with seven, finishing on the day with five receptions for a team high of 80 yards.

The Raiders beefed up their linebacking corps this offseason, specifically because of how badly they were getting torched by tight ends at the second level. Losing Nick Kwiatkoski last week was a big blow to the defense, so hopefully he is on the field come Monday night to help contain Cook.

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