NFL: Each Team’s Biggest 2015 X-Factor

Aug 14, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders receiver Michael Crabtree (15) is defended by St. Louis Rams defensive back Lamarcus Joyner (20) in a preseason NFL football game at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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Oakland Raiders WR Michael Crabtree

I am sold on the notion that Amari Cooper will be a difference-maker for the Oakland Raiders this season, because it is incredibly hard to see a battle-tested SEC product with excellent speed, hip fluidity, and route-running chops failing as Derek Carr’s No. 1 target.

But Carr needs more than just one or two competent receivers on his side, and veteran offseason signing Michael Crabtree is supposed to be that second impact receiver. Rod Streater should be a decent option for Carr, but the Raiders are hoping that Crabtree can come closer to his outstanding 85/1,105/9 line than his disappointing 2014 numbers.

Crabtree, who was once an above-average and fluid route-runner for the San Francisco 49ers, has reportedly been stellar during practices, but we haven’t seen enough of him in preseason games. If he can turn back the clock to 2012, then the Raiders could have two star receivers on their hands.

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