Oakland Raiders v Houston Texans: A Few Last Minute Keys To A Wild Card Win

5 of 6

Jan 1, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Connor Cook (8) drops back to pass against Denver Broncos inside linebacker Corey Nelson (52) as offensive guard Kelechi Osemele (70) defends in the second quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

The Rookie Must Play Like a Vet

A lot has been made of the fact that Connor Cook is a rookie making his first NFL start in a playoff game. It’s a lot to put on his shoulders, to be sure, but he wsa thrown into the fires last week in Denver and performed pretty well.

He didn’t look overwhelmed and it didn’t look like the game was too big for him as he completed 14 of his 21 passes against a very, very good Denver secondary for 150 yards and his first NFL touchdown. Cook looked far better and more comfortable on the field than veteran backup McGloin did, that’s for sure.

That’s not to say he doesn’t have his issues. He does. In his time on the field, Cook threw an interception and fumbled two other times. Simply put, he’s got to be better than that. Those are rookie mistakes this team can’t afford for him to make.

Live Feed

Baseball America releases Top 10 Blue Jays Prospects list for preseason 2024 /

Jays Journal

One strikeout at a time: An interview with Blue Jays prospect Connor Cooke Jays Journal

Michigan State Football: Please stop the Connor Cook vs. Denard Robinson debate Spartan Avenue

Michigan State Football: Ranking the top 5 teams from the 2010s Spartan Avenue

Reliving the 4 times Michigan State football upset top-ranked Ohio State Spartan Avenue

Michigan State Football: Ranking top 5 quarterbacks since 2000 Spartan Avenue

Houston has a very effective pass defense. They’re ranked second in the league, so yards are tough to come by against this unit. He’s going to have to be smart and he’s going to have to be decisive. With Houston very likely following Denver’s blueprint of stacking the box, shutting down the run, and forcing Cook to make some plays, he’s going to have to take advantage of it and make them pay for that decision.

Cook can throw a nice intermediate and deep ball, but he’s going to need to work on his short game too. He’s going to have to be better. Hitting on some short balls, getting the chains moving, and getting into a rhythm is going to be essential from his first snap.

If he can do all of that, and the Raiders can get Houston’s defense to loosen up, allowing Oakland’s backs room to roam, they just might be in good shape. But is starts with Cook – the rookie who has to play like a veteran.

Home/Las Vegas Raiders News