In recent years, the Oakland Raiders haven’t had many playmakers. In a decade-plus of dormancy, the silver and black often have lacked the talent to compete with winning franchises.
Now it seems they’re blessed with a half dozen or so young players with the elite talent to change a game at a moment’s notice.
On Sunday in Cleveland, the Raiders beat the Browns 27-20 to improve to 2-1 on this season, and notch their first victory in the Eastern time zone since 2009 at Pittsburgh. The victory broke a 16-game Eastern zone losing streak. They’re also just one win away from tying their total for all of 2014.
And at the heart of the Raiders victory in Cleveland – their first in the city since 1985 -- were young playmakers such as quarterback Derek Carr, wide receiver Amari Cooper, running back Latavius Murray and linebacker Khalil Mack. All loomed large in the decision.
Carr completed 20-of-32 throws for 314 yards and two touchdowns, Cooper – who’s fulfilling all expectations, and more, for his first season – had eight catches for 134 yards, Murray rushed for 139 yards and Mack had two sacks to lead an Oakland D that got to Browns QB Josh McCown four times.
Plus, many of those plays were for big yards. Cooper had a TD catch of 40 yards, and Murray broke loose on one play for 54. Carr, meanwhile, had completions of 55, 40 and 36 yards.
With back-to-back 100-yard games, Cooper is the first Raiders receiver to do that since Randy Moss in 2005. He’s also the first rookie in the NFL to have two 100-yard receiving games since 2008, when DeSean Jackson did it for the Eagles.
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Cooper and free-agent acquisition Michael Crabtree (four catches, 36 yards Sunday) have completely opened up the options downfield for Carr.
Tweeted NFL.com’s Around The NFL group during the game: “Amari Cooper after the catch is just crazy. The best possible gift a GM could have gotten a second-year QB.”
The sudden wealth of playmakers also is a testament to general manager Reggie McKenzie’s draft talents the past three seasons. Though McKenzie has whiffed on some free-agent moves, he has struck gold with Cooper (this year), Carr and Mack (2014) and Murray (2013). Each year under his leadership, the talent on the roster has deepened.
Now, the Raiders will try to keep their momentum rolling next Sunday when they play the Bears in Chicago.
