Crab Rolls: Underrated Raiders WR Crabtree Continues Strong Season
If you talk to the average football fan that the elite receivers are in the NFL, names like Brown, Green, and Hopkins jump to mind. Yet, believe it or not, Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree deserves consideration in that conversation. However, Crabtree goes mainly unnoticed by the league’s media arm and many fans. Crabtree arrived to Oakland looking to regain some of that magic he enjoyed in San Francisco. What he found is a better career now than his days as a Niner. The lone missing piece is a trip to the Super Bowl.
The Numbers
If you use 2017 exclusively, Crabtree’s six touchdowns rank him tied for first in the NFL. The results of yesterday’s games will alter this but six touchdowns in six games is quite the accomplishment. More importantly, Crabtree’s catch percentage improved each year in Oakland. As a result, his 68.6 percent of caught passes makes him reliable anywhere on the field. Additionally, his twenty-three touchdowns in his three year stint in Oakland serves as a reminder that teams must pay attention to him. On the other hand, stats can be used to say that Crabtree needs to go without mention. His 28 catches and 328 yards may not scream dominant, but realize one thing. If you watch any Raiders film, focus on Derek Carr’s intermediate to vertical throws. Crabtree appears as Carr’s first look.
Role
Granted, Amari Cooper is the future of this team. Be that as it may, at 30, Crabtree is the leader of the receiving corps. While Cooper learns from the veteran, Crabtree makes the transition easier. As mentioned, in his ninth season, Crabtree‘s competitiveness will carry over for the rest of the team. Cooper by nature is not emotional. Yet, in the game versus the Chiefs, you saw a bit move of an edge in route running. His routes looked sharper and trying to high point a ball in double coverage is a nod to what Crabtree taught him. Also, younger receivers like Seth Roberts can benefit from those experiences.
During the Chiefs game, Crabtree and Donald Penn exchanged tense words. The fact that Crabtree was not going to back down and cower speaks volumes to his tough. Unfortunately, someone reading this will bring up the chain incident with Aqib Talib. Crabtree, in the minds of some did not strike Talib, as some wanted him to. In essence, the restraint showed leadership. Sooner or later, people will let that go.
While you won’t see too many pregame highlights and interview packages featuring Crabtree. From interviews and sound clips, the lack of media attention fits him well. When the Oakland Raiders needed a big play, to win their most important game of the year, who did Carr find for the score?
