Andre Holmes turned a corner last season. Prior to 2013, he had two catches to his name, playing just 17 snaps altogether. However, the Oakland Raiders gave the wide receiver most responsibility and he repaid them by putting up 431 yards and a touchdown, including seven catches for 136 yards on Thanksgiving. However, while Holmes is ready to keep progressing, he is admitting some concern given the extra bodies in the wide receiver group.
Oakland does not have a true No. 1 wide receiver. They do not have a Calvin Johnson or Brandon Marshall. Instead the passing game will be a group effort meaning the lineup could easily change each week depending on who is exceling. It could also mean that someone is sent packing before the year even begins. After a successful 2013, Holmes is hoping it is not him.
"It allowed me to set bar about where I was and where I can be," Holmes said, via CSNBayArea.com. "Years before, I didn't have game tape to look at. I didn't even have practice tape. It's almost like starting from ground zero in a way. Now I have a standard, a foundation to build on, and that's so key for me to grow."
The Raiders have receivers like Rod Streater, Denarius Moore and Holmes all returning while adding players like Greg Little and James Jones while also getting improvement from players like Brice Butler and Juron Criner in organized team activities. Quarterback Matt Schaub likes what he sees from Holmes, but is quick to say he will throw to the receiver who is most consistent.
"He's a long strider, a big guy who can stretch the field vertically and go up and get the football," Schaub said. "Obviously, his height and his ability to adjust in the air are some of his strengths, as well as some of the intermediate routes. Just being able to get to the top of his route, come strong out of his cut, he can be a guy that can stretch the field for us."
So far, Moore's name has been the one most popping up in trade rumors simply because of his inconsistencies over the past two seasons. The Raiders likely cannot take all of the receivers they have currently into the season, meaning training camp will be crucial for everyone. At most, the Raiders might bring six players along, but that is no guarantee. Holmes hopes to be one of them.
"In the last year I've seen so much growth in my game," Holmes said. "I've been able to finish plays and catch everything that comes, even the easy ones. That type of growth, especially in being a pro, is really encouraging. And the chance to play, the opportunity, really helped. I just need to make the most of the chance I have here."
