Michael Crabtree On The Verge of Resurrecting NFL Career With Raiders

USA Today

The biggest headlines for the Oakland Raiders during the offseason was the hiring of head coach Jack Del Rio and drafting wide receiver Amari Cooper out of Alabama. Both moves were considered to be steps in the right direction and have paid off thus far after an incredible win in Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens.

Although Del Rio and Cooper will continue to steal the headlines, one player making a considerable impression in Oakland is veteran wide receiver Michael Crabtree. The Former San Francisco 49er had a huge game against Baltimore and has turned a lot of heads as a result.

Del Rio has been arguably the most impressed with Crabtree saying the following about his veteran wideout’s performance against the Ravens, via Bill Williamson of ESPN:

“Michael Crabtree had a phenomenal game,” Del Rio said. “It’s not just catching the ball. He made some unbelievable catches in clutch situations, but the unselfishness, the way he blocked on the perimeter. Just really, really terrific on his part. The unselfish part is what I really appreciate, where he’s doing the extra blocking, doing some of the dirty work. Obviously some of those conversions on third down were huge.”

Crabtree and Cooper quickly became a dynamic duo in Week 2 with the receivers combining for 220 yards and two touchdowns in the win over the Ravens. Crabtree came up big time and time again last Sunday with most believing the Texas Tech product may be on the verge of turning his career around in Oakland after a disappointing stint in San Francisco.

The 28-year-old wideout signed a one-year deal with the Raiders during the offseason paving the way for a make-or-break season in silver and black. So far, Crabtree is surpassing expectations while quickly becoming one of Derek Carr’s favorite targets in the passing game.

According to Sportsbook.ag, the Raiders are underdogs heading into their Week 3 matchup with the Cleveland Browns. Johnny Manziel’s squad is sporting a -3.5 point spread. Crabtree and company with try to keep up their winning ways against another young team attempting to make an impression this season.