Raiders Training Camp Questions: Can Antonio Brown Set New Standard?

Antonio Brown talked a good game at his Raiders introductory press conference. He vowed to set a new standard within the Silver and Black as a prime example of work ethic and accountability and, of course, by putting up crazy stats often under pressure.

He has only been through an offseason program since being traded from Pittsburgh, without much chance to back all that up. He has been excellent in spring opportunities to do so, showing great work ethic in private, behind closed doors as he does so often on social media.

The man practices so hard and so fast on every play that receivers can't help but notice. He talks serious trash during drills, but has gained the respect of Raiders cornerbacks by helping them at times and always raising the level of competition.

Fans attending Raiders training camp in Napa starting this week will see incredible work rate firsthand.

He's steady, dynamic and shockingly durable, the first Raiders offensive superstar since Jon Gruden's previous head-coaching stint.

Superstars produce. If healthy, Brown will do that even in heavy coverage. He has six consecutive seasons with at least101 receptions, 1,284 yards and eight touchdowns, all of them played with the spotlight shining bright. He has had more than 100 catches, 1,499 and 12 touchdowns in half of those years.

The best superstars also lead. That's what Brown said he wants to do here. That effort ramps up in training camp. He shouldn't play much, if at all, in the preseason. Risking his health is foolish in meaningless games. He should push his teammates, and his quarterback for better throughout this summer stint in Napa.

Brown is an eccentric. Lots of players are. There's nothing wrong with that, especially if the leadership by example trend continues and he helps elevate teammates by more than just drawing coverage.

The main question from now on is that effort's sustainability through training camp's dog days. And, what if the Raiders stumble out of the gate and struggle mightily through a grueling schedule? How will be react then, or if Carr struggles some finding Brown as well or as often as he did with the Steelers? While it didn't end well with the Steelers, Pittsburgh never finished below .500 while Brown was there and averaged 10.4 wins per season. We simply don't know how he'd adapt to steady losing if that happens because he hasn't been through it as a pro.

Brown will set a new standard for work rate and production around here, but maintaining it through tough times might be equally important.

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