Red Raiders in the pros: Crabtree saves the day for the Raiders

Michael Crabtree - WR (Oakland Raiders)

Crabtree was one of the former Red Raiders featured in the Thursday Night Football match up between the Raiders and Chiefs. For the most part, Kansas City was able to hold Crabtree in check. He ended with just 3 catches on 7 targets for only 24 total yards. However, the Red Raider, famous for his clutch touchdowns, came through in prime time once again. He caught a game-tying, 2-yard touchdown pass with zeros showing on the game clock, capping off an intense fourth quarter comeback victory for Oakland. Crabtree’s overall production has begun to decline over the last several weeks. That trend could continue if Amari Cooper’s massive performance on Thursday proves that the Raiders’ WR1 has broken out of his season long slump. Even with this decline, Crabtree has still proven to have a nose for the end zone. His touchdown snag this week extended his streak of games with at least one touchdown reception to 3.

DeAndre Washington - RB (Oakland Raiders)

The TNF Red Raider party was the shining moment of DeAndre Washington’s season so far as he tallied season highs in both carries and rushing yards. Washington’s increased role for this game was due in part to Marshawn Lynch’s ejection in the second quarter for contact with an official. This forced Oakland to lean on Washington and fellow back Jalen Richard for their run production down the stretch. Washington easily outperformed his counterpart, grabbing three catches and punching in an impressive 4 yard run for his first trip to the end zone this season. Washington was the back used during the 2 minute drill at the end of the game when the Raiders needed a score, which shows Oakland clearly trusts him when Lynch is not available. Going forward, Marshawn Lynch has been suspended for 1 game by the NFL, so DeAndre has an opportunity to be the feature back next week against the Buffalo Bills.

Jakeem Grant - WR (Miami Dolphins)

Jakeem Grant was once again only utilized in the kick return game. He had one kickoff return for 30 yards and three punt returns that netted 17 yards. He now currently ranks 20 in the NFL in total punt return yards on the season. His 6.5/yards per return rank him even higher at 17^th in the league. Jakeem’s production has almost solely been on special teams this season, but that may change as the Dolphins are being forced into switching QBs now that Jay Cutler is sidelined with a chest injury. Matt Moore will step in to lead the Dolphin offense and based on what Moore has had to say about Grant, I think the two have chemistry. Don’t be surprised if the speedster gets a few targets next week against the Baltimore Ravens.

Danny Amendola - WR (New England Patriots)

Despite Danny Amendola’s unquestioned place inside Tom Brady’s circle of trust, the slot receiver has cooled off from a hot start to the season. He has tallied only 3 receptions in back-to-back weeks and this week, those 3 receptions only garnered 17 yards. The bigger concern the Patriots seem to have is keeping Amendola healthy, his workload has increased this season due to Julian Edelman’s injury, and Danny has not been known for his durability. That being said, as long as Amendola remains healthy, he’s going to have an important role in this potent offense. His numbers are still going to fluctuate from week to week as the Patriots are experts at taking what the defense gives them. Amendola will have an interesting matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 8.

Branden Jackson – DE (Seattle Seahawks)

Branden Jackson recorded his first tackle of the season on Sunday during the Seahwaks 24-7 victory over the New York Giants. Not much else to report here, but Jackson could be in line to see some more serious playing time as Seattle tries to replace Cliff Avril. A fun moment for Tech fans happened after the game that included another former Red Raider, Davis Webb.