The Oakland Raiders took a big gamble when they signed Michael Crabtree in the offseason. The former San Francisco 49ers receiver had fallen out of favor with the franchise that drafted him and injuries and inconsistencies plagued his years with the team. When his deal expired, they opted not to re-sign Crabtree as he hit the free agent market where he sat for months. Oakland came calling in need of playmakers and while doubters said Crabtree could no longer be one, the receiver is quickly giving the Raiders a return on their investment.
The Raiders got a big upset win on Sunday when they defeated the Baltimore Ravens and much of it was thanks to Crabtree who led the team with nine catches for 111 yards and a score. Along with the 100-yard game from Amari Cooper, Crabtree was a big reason for the 37-33 win as he earned the praise of head coach Jack Del Rio and the trust of quarterback Derek Carr.
"Michael Crabtree had a phenomenal game," Del Rio said, via ESPN.com. "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 is now at the top of the fantasy football waiver wire list as owners would be wise to scoop up the receiver quickly. Carr has Cooper running down one sideline and Crabtree sprinting down the otherside. There is a good chance he targets one of the players on every passing play going forward. That is the reason both receivers put up over 100 yards as they both have knacks for big plays. Crabtree is aware how lucky he is to have gotten the chance with the Raiders as he confirms the 49ers were pushing for his return.
"It's been a great move, for both parties," Crabtree said, via the San Francisco Chronicle. "I feel really good about it. ... Blessed, really. A lot of people don't know that the Niners offered me a contract, I just didn't take it. I wanted a fresh start. It was more money too - the Niners offered me more money than anybody did - but business is business and I wanted to come to a team that really wanted and needed me."
With Crabtree and Cooper, the Raiders have real potential. They certainly showed that against the Ravens. Andre Holmes added to the mix in his first game since suffering a broken hand while Latavius Murray remains a dual-threat with 65 yards on the ground and another 22 in the air against Baltimore. If everyone can remain healthy, the Raiders have a shot at real improvement in 2015.
