Oakland Raiders: Overreactions, legitimate concerns about Antonio Brown

Legitimate Concern: Impression on a Young Roster

Unlike last year, when the Raiders had the oldest roster, the team only carries eight players who are 30 years or older going into the first preseason game. The Silver and Black signed nine drafted rookies and several players under 25 years old will have prominent roles in the upcoming season, including Maurice Hurst, P.J. Hall, Arden Key, Kolton Miller and Gareon Conley.

With so much youth and inexperience in starting roles, the Raiders need a group of leaders in the locker room. Guys like Carr, Rodney Hudson, Tahir Whitehead and Justin Ellis can provide a professional example for their young teammates.

However, Brown placed himself in the potential group of leaders, speaking about accountability at his introductory press conference (via ESPN):

"“My plan is to get around here, get in the room, start holding guys accountable, let them know it’s a certain type of standard here now that we got to uphold,” Brown said. “Receivers, we need an accountability system — drops, [being] late, fines, missed routes, missed sights. We’re going to hold each other accountable; and if you don’t fall in that accountability, you get fined.”"

Initially, Brown’s foot injury justified his absence from practice, but if he’s upset about a safety rule that everyone knew would take effect this year, where’s the accountability for himself?

Brown talked the talk at the podium, but now he must walk the walk (gingerly) on his sore feet, so his actions match his words in March.

When Brown is on the practice field, the 31-year old can sharpen his teammates’ skills, but if he’s indeed trying to sneak an unregulated helmet into practice, which puts him at risk for league discipline, that’s a poor example for someone who harped on accountability five months ago.