Sep 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders receiver Michael Crabtree (15) celebrates with quarterback Derek Carr (4) after scoring on a 29-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens as at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 37-33. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Derek Carr and His Receivers vs. Cleveland Secondary
The Browns have four Pro Bowl players in their secondary. They’re giving up only about 218 yards through the air and have done a decent job of limiting their opponents’ passing games.
Joe Haden,Donte Whitner,Tashaun Gipson, andTramon Williamshave formed a pretty solid defensive backfield for the Browns. It’s a secondary though, that may be withoutJustin Gilbertand will definitely be withoutK’Waun Williamsdue to injury, so they will not be at full strength, which works in Oakland’s favor.
The Raiders have a ton of receiving talent this season.Amari Cooper,Michael Crabtree,Rod Streater,Andre Holmes, andSeth Robertsform a receiving corps that is explosive and potent. The Raiders flexed that muscle last week against Baltimore when Carr threw for 351 yards and three touchdowns. Carr was able to move the ball up and down the field at will, and calmly led a last minute drive that covered eighty yards and one and a half minutes of the final two — it ended in a game winning touchdown with less than thirty seconds left on the clock.
Against the Cleveland defense, Carr might find it a little more difficult to find his open receivers against a Browns’ secondary that is tougher than Baltimore’s. They’re tougher, but they’re not impenetrable. Because the Raiders have such an array of weapons — they have even more when you throw in tight endsMychal RiveraandClive Walford— the Browns may find it difficult to cover them all.
Especially if the Raiders unleash Murray and the running game.
The Raiders’ passing attack showed last week that it is potent and it can light up a defense. Carr must continue playing with the confidence and command he did against the Ravens.
Next: Can Oakland's Young Guns Play Solid Football?
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