How far away is a winning season?
Cook wasn’t on field as much in Cardinals win but there’s a reason
Time for only the second postvictory mailbag of the season, folks. How does that sound?
In this one, we talk Jared Cook’s usage, the 2019 running back situation, Tom Cable and much more. Let’s get it rolling.
@__wavypuz: How many years till a winning season lol I say two.
@Lilbarb13: Why is Jared Cook off the field so often?
The Raiders ran the ball 33 times for 152 yards against the Cardinals, both single-game highs this season. Lee Smith and Derek Carrier are more run-blocking tight ends than Cook, who in my mind is still one of the more underrated pass-catching tight ends in the league. The Raiders weren’t trailing big and therefore forced to throw the ball the entire second half like in games prior, so that’s probably why you didn’t see as much of Cook as you’re accustomed to. @RaiderKelly: When do you think there will be an announcement about where 2019 home games will be played?
I’m not sure exactly on that one, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Raiders have one in London and one in Monterrey, Mexico next season. This season’s London game was announced on Jan. 11, so that’s probably a decent ballpark estimate for you. @daleconnolly: Have Joseph & Conley now cemented their places in the D rebuild for the foreseeable?
I wouldn’t say that just because they both grabbed picks on Sunday. Both have been in and out of
the rotation this season and still need to show vast improvements in different areas of their game — Joseph defending the pass and Conley tackling — to cement themselves as long-term pieces. Not too long ago, there were rumblings both were on the trading block, but the Raiders stood pat with their first-round picks from 2016 and 2017. I do envision them as defensive pieces for the future, but I’m not 100 percent sold yet.
@christophy24: Is it a crazy thought to think Ateman can be a future no. 1 wide out? Or is he more of a solid possession guy like a Chaz Schilens? I know Schilens technically was a no.1 but you get the point.
Let’s not get too carried away after one big catch. He definitely has underrated speed and bigplay ability, especially in jumpball situations, but let’s see him in a game against a team that isn’t terrible. I’ll hold out judgements on what I think he can blossom into until then.
@kaenko4: Do you think this victory can propel this team of young players to at least stay competitive over the final 6 weeks, given the tough opponents?
Definitely. Did you see videos from the locker room after the game? The No. 1 pick is fine and dandy, but these guys looked like different people after a win. The Raiders have a daunting final six games and I don’t expect them to win more than one of them, but expect them to show a little more fight with a victory under their belts.
@OptimusPrymTyme: In your opinion, who is most likely to be the Raiders lead back in 2019: Marshawn Lynch, a free agent signing, or a rookie draft pick?
None of the above. I say Doug Martin, with Jalen Richard, DeAndre Washington and Chris Warren behind him.
@TVachon1233: Will we attempt to resign Cook, or maybe go after one of the two Hawkeyes if they both come out. I would do anything possible to re-sign Jared Cook if I’m the Raiders.
@ShotoutO: Do you think raiders should trade back in the draft to a team in love with the qb prospects to accumulate more draft capital? This team has a ton of holes. Or do they use their top 5 pick out right and draft a stud.
I think they use their top-five pick because at least from early indications, it seems this draft is heavy on defense at the top and it won’t have the flurry of quarterbacks selected so early like this year. That would lead me to believe there won’t be as high of a demand to trade up as there was last draft. Maybe the Raiders trade their second first-round pick to a quarterback-needy team, or even package the other two first-rounders for a proven stud. All of it is just a guessing game at this point but a fun one at that.
@AcunaErnie: Fans complain the team is tanking, then complain for not tanking. Can’t we ever have some happiness? LOL
Lol is right. Raiders fans don’t always know what they want, and there’s nothing wrong with that. The idea of having the No. 1 pick is nice, but so is the feeling of victory.
@adsbrooks: Is there any chance Gruden gets rid of Cable after the season, O-line has been a mess even with two rookies?
I think there’s a chance, but I think injuries on the offensive line, if anything, buy Cable a second season.
@DuendeTOP: Is Gruden over his head? Is this Ditka with Saints part 2?
Nah, I honestly think he has a plan and isn’t just winging this. Whether than plan works out, though, is another story.
@therealdtapia: Who is Chucky targeting FA? Who is his Moby to his Capt Ahab?
My man, it’s not even Week 12! (But he should target LeVeon Bell)
@AntSan10: Can the @Raiders trade Carr to the @Washington ??????
And that has been this week’s mailbag. Thanks for coming, everyone.