The Oakland Raiders are desperate for a top wide receiver. While the team has a lot of mid-level receivers, they have to truly have that top-level guy that can be the quarterback's safety net. The team was hoping to be getting that in Darrius Heyward-Bey, but he never panned out. Then Jacoby Ford became the new hopeful and that has yet to work out either. Now the Raiders are putting their hope in Denarious Moore and Rod Streater, but head coach Dennis Allen is not sold yet.
Allen is quick to say the team has "a lot of nice receivers." However, he does not see a go-to guy in the bunch. The coach has remained hopeful that someone would emerge during training camp and the preseason, but instead the Raiders will operate on a "catch by committee" system.
"I think all of those guys can step up and make plays," Allen said, via the team website. "I feel good about where we're at from a receiver position. I think we've got guys that can bring different elements to the table, that have different strengths. We've got to find ways to put those guys in those positions so that we can utilize those strengths."
Moore is the top candidate for the No. 1 spot, but the team is still waiting on the receiver to mature. A recent rise in passes dropped also is not helping his case. He has averaged 18.7 yards per catch with the team, but constant drops have offensive coordinator Greg Olson not buying into the 24-year old just yet.
"A lot of it is going to be on Denarius," Olson, per the Bay Area News Group. "To me, it's that whole character issue, becoming a self-starter, becoming a self-motivated person, and a lot of it comes with maturity."
Behind Moore is Streater who is penciled in as the other starter. He has the hands to be a real star on the team, but has yet to really demonstrate the big-play ability. However, pairing Streater and Moore together with complimenting skill set at least gives the Raiders a good one-two punch on the field. Ford can make the big play, but his inability to stay healthy makes him tough to rely on.
Terrelle Pryor's success will come at the hands of these players. The quarterback has spent the entire week of practice with the first-team offense and is quickly building chemistry with the receivers. Allen notes the quarterback's communication has gotten much better while Streater notes the young quarterback is quickly becoming more comfortable as the leader. While no one may be the No. 1, all of the Oakland receivers can do a good job of playing a role.
