Not much was certain about Michael Crabtree when he first signed with the Oakland Raiders in 2015. He was coming off a rather disappointing year playing with the San Francisco 49ers where he played second fiddle to Anquan Boldin. Since then, however, Crabtree has made himself right at home across the Bay where he’s led the team in receptions since his arrival.
While Crabtree has certainly established a large following due to his play on the field, some of his biggest fans supporters come within the locker room itself. According to Vic Tafur of San Francisco Chronicle Derek Carr had high praise for his teammate:
He’s not slowing down,” Carr said. “Crab is a guy that genetically he’s going to play as long as he wants to play. It’s not going to slow down for him.”
Jack Del Rio commended Crabtree on his connection with Carr on the field:
He’s been pretty darn good since he’s been here for us,” Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio said. “He’s been a very reliable target for Derek. I think they’re comfortable with the rapport they have. He’s had a strong camp and is playing well for us. I’m very pleased with the way things are going there.”
It is safe to say that Crabtree has aged like fine wine to this point. This is certainly good news for the Raiders because they will be looking to continue building off last season’s success where they were a top-10 offensive team and Super Bowl contenders before Carr’s untimely injury.
Despite his age, Crabtree will have the opportunity to prove he is one of the most consistent wideouts during the 2017 NFL season. Crabtree and the Raiders will be looking for their first preseason win when the team faces off against the Dallas Cowboys.
Written by: Nathan Cardenas
