Count Tim Brown as one of the many Raiders legends miffed by Amari Cooper’s lack of production this season. But unlike the masses, the Hall of Famer isn’t pinning it solely on the wide receiver’s penchant for drops.
No, for the man who has caught more passes as a Raider, it’s the play-caller who has dropped the ball.
“I just believe this is a byproduct of not being involved in the offense,” Brown told Bay Area News Group’s Jerry McDonald. “You’re not getting many opportunities, you look up the field and then — boom — you forgot to do the most fundamental thing of being a receiver and that’s catch the ball.”
Despite his lack of production, Cooper still warrants the immediate attention of defensive coordinators. He draws double coverage, is pressed and jammed at the line, all in attempt to take him out of the game. And it’s worked.
Brown says it’s up to Raiders offensive coordinator Todd Downing to get to work and get Coop the ball.
“I don’t care if he’s having trouble getting off bump and run or if they’re double-teaming him,” Brown said. “Put him in motion, throw him a little short pass. Put him on the punt team if you have to. Give him something with the ball in his hands so he can feel like he’s part of the game.”
“I’m talking about running short crossing routes, a deep crossing route,” Brown continued. “Run a little bubble screen to him. Get the ball in the man’s hands. It’s not that hard.”
Manuel Transmission
Quick decision-making, command in the huddle and accurate throws will dictate just how well EJ Manuel does as the starting quarterback. When it comes to throwing 89’s way this Sunday, Manuel says he won’t hesitate.
“That’s why I threw that pass on Sunday because I know Coop is one of those guys that if you give him a 50/50 chance, often times he’ll come down with it,” Manuel said. “So we definitely want to get him rolling. Get his confidence rolling and everything like that and get him some touches early so we can make some plays.”
Snap Counts
- Baltimore is tied for 30th in the league in points per game at 15. Oakland is tied for 16th at 22.8. Flip the script and the Ravens are 14th in points allowed per game at 20. The Raiders are 13th at 19.8.
- Oakland struggles mightily getting off the field after third down. The team is ranked 26th on third-down stops allowing a conversion 46 percent (26 of 57) of the time. Baltimore, despite its struggles, is third and yields a 31 percent (16 of 52) conversion rate.
- The Raiders’ inability to continue drives haunted them in the last two games and the team is ranked 28th in third-down conversions (47 percent, 15 of 47). The Ravens rank 24th (37 percent, 18 of 49).
- Baltimore is the third most penalized team in the league with 37 infractions. The Raiders, surprisingly, are tied for 19th with 26.
Leaders
Ravens
- Rushing TDs: Terrance West (2); Team total 2
- Receiving TDs: Jeremy Maclin (2); Team total 4
- Tackles: CJ Mosely (38)
- Sacks: Terrell Suggs (3); Team total 7
- Interceptions: Brandon Carr; Lardarius Webb; Eric Weddle (all with 2); Team total 9
Raiders
- Rushing TDs: Marshawn Lynch; Jalen Richard (1); Team total 2
- Receiving TDs: Michael Crabtree (3); Team total 6
- Tackles; Corey James (32)
- Sacks: Khalil Mack (4); Team total 10
- Interceptions: None; Team total 0