Red Raiders in the NFL: Crabtree and Washington continue to shine

Michael Crabtree - WR (Oakland Raiders)

After a primetime, clutch victory last week, Crabtree’s Raiders took a step back in their matchup with the Buffalo Bills. Individually, however, he had a decent showing and ended with five catches on 10 targets for a total of 83 receiving yards which was tops on the team. Crabtree’s touchdown streak ended as the Bills defense yielded only two touchdowns on the day, neither of which was scored by the Raiders receiving corps. Amari Cooper’s numbers fell back in line with the pedestrian numbers he had been putting up before last week’s performance. Crabtree has been the most consistent WR in Oakland this season, and if Derek Carr is going to lean on anyone while trying to turn this season around, it’s going to be Crabtree.

DeAndre Washington - RB (Oakland Raiders)

Marshawn Lynch served a one game suspension this week, leaving DeAndre Washington as the RB1 against the Bills. Despite the opportunity, Washington failed to deliver much on the ground against a stingy Bills defense. He was only able to garner 26 rushing yards on 6 carries. However, Washington shined in the passing game. He tied Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree for a team high 10 targets and lead the team with 8 receptions. His 62 receiving yards on those 8 catches only trailed fellow Red Raider Crabtree. It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows in Buffalo, though, literally. The rain was coming down and possibly played a role in Washington’s fumble at the end of the first half that was scooped up by the Bills and returned for a touchdown. The play was a big momentum shift in the game, and the Raiders were unable to recover until they were already down by three possessions in the fourth quarter. Washington did atone for his mistake by finding the end zone on a 4 yard catch in that fourth quarter. But, that was all the comeback the Raiders could muster this week.

Jakeem Grant - WR (Miami Dolphins)

The Dolphins traveled across the pond to London for their matchup with the Baltimore Ravens this week. The trip was nothing short of a disaster as the Ravens completely dominated to the tune of a 40-0 final score. Jakeem Grant was targeted twice in the game, but, was unable to convert either into a completion. Grant’s main contribution this season has been in the return game, but he only had 1 punt return this game for a grand total of 1 yard. Grant’s lack of impact on the Dolphins this season is disappointing and doesn’t show much upside of changing. However, Jay Cutler is slated to return in Week 9 against a more porous Oakland Raiders defense. Perhaps his return will kick start an uptick in the Dolphins offense that has failed to utilize what Red Raider fans know can be an effective receiver.

Danny Amendola - WR (New England Patriots)

Danny Amendola once again had a reduced role in the passing game against the Los Angeles Chargers. He was only able to convert 6 targets into two receptions for 14 yards. Amendola was much busier in the return game, though. Through 5 returns (4 punt and 1 kickoff), he tallied 42 return yards, for a respectable 8.4 yard average per return. Danny’s role may once again be boosted due to a teammate’s injury. This time it was Chris Hogan who was knocked out of the game and never returned with a shoulder injury. The Patriots have their bye in Week 9, giving Hogan more time to recover. The early reports are unsure of his status for Week 10. If Hogan can’t play, Amendola will undoubtedly be asked to do more to make up for the lost production.

Patrick Mahomes – QB (Kansas City Chiefs)

Alex Smith keeps winning, which means that Mahomes will keep sitting. That doesn’t mean that we won’t jump at a chance to include Mahomes in this recap any opportunity we get. Last week, Mahomes’ Chiefs matched up with the Oakland Raiders and former teammate DeAndre Washington. The two swapped jerseys after the game, hopefully just one moment of many to come for the now division rivals.