Crabtree ready for the challenge
He said “they,” instead of “we,” a few times when talking about his new team, but Michael Crabtree otherwise handled his first Raiders media session with aplomb Thursday.
He admitted it “feels a little funny” being in Alameda for a minicamp after six seasons with the 49ers. But he knows what’s been asked of him, and Oakland’s new No. 1 receiver is happy with his role as a one- year hired gun on a team short on offensive weapons.
“I’m here,” he said after practice. “Guys want
me and need me. I talked to the coach. He wants me and needs me. I feel comfortable. I can’t wait to go play.”
Crabtree admitted he has a chip on his shoulder after a frustrating free- agency experience left him with a one- year, prove- it deal that guarantees him only $ 1.3 million. ( He can make another $ 400,000 for 70 catches or 900 yards, $ 1.4 million for 100 catches for 1,400 yards and $ 400,000 for being named to the Pro Bowl.)
“I have a lot to prove,” Crabtree said. “A lot to prove. Ain’t got nothing to lose and have a lot to prove.”
He caught 85 passes for 1,105 yards and nine touchdowns to help San Francisco reach the Super Bowl three years ago but was slowed by injuries the past two seasons.
“He brings sure hands, the ability to separate and catch the ball,” Raiders first- year coach Jack Del Rio said. “He’s got a few skins on the wall, so to speak. He’s played in big games. He’s made big catches. He’s had really significant production in the first six years of his career.”
Del Rio and Crabtree said they pay no attention to reports that the receiver sometimes had a bad attitude with the 49ers.
“That’s just talk,” Crabtree said. “I don’t worry about talk. Some people say a lot of things. Until you get to know people you know ... it’s just talk.”
Another thing NFL people said is that Crabtree, who had 68 catches for 698 yards last season, didn’t look like an explosive receiver the past couple of years. There is a reason for that: He tore his Achilles in 2013 and has had two surgeries on his left foot since 2009.
“I would say the year prior to last year was me recovering, trying to get back right,” Crabtree said. “This year I don’t feel a thing. Just go out there and play.”
He was impressed with quarterback Derek Carr — “he can sling it” — over the three- day minicamp and said he didn’t think about becoming a Raider in 2009 ( Oakland took the speedier — and since-cut — Darrius Heyward-Bey at No. 7 instead of Crabtree, who went 10th).
“When you get drafted by a team, you focus on that team,” Crabtree said. “You don’t focus on the guys that miss you and all the other stuff. I’m here now.”
The hired gun is not just out for statistics, either. Crabtree said he is up for the challenge as well.
“This is a legendary program,” he said. “If you can get them back to the top, that’s a big deal. This is a challenge for me. I’m ready to take on that challenge.
“The rest of the guys in the locker room, I’ve talked with them. They’re ready too. I can’t do nothing but ride with them.”
“I’m here. Guys
want me and need
me. I talked to the
coach. He wants
me and needs me. I
feel comfortable. I
can’t wait to go
play.”
Michael Crabtree