The Oakland Raiders have not had much time to get the on-field chemistry going between quarterback Drek Carr and star wide receiver Antonio Brown this offseason due to the latter’s inauspicious start with the team.
Brown’s arrival has generated plenty of hype this offseason as he provides the Raiders’ receiving corps with some much-needed firepower. Although he and Carr were able to log in some throwing sessions together during the summer, they did not get much work in during training camp and the preseason.
Brown’s frostbitten feet and multiple helmet grievances against the NFL had kept him away from the facility. Fortunately, fans were finally able to get one of their first looks at what is to come in the passing game.
The pair showed off their rapport by connecting on a deep out route, via the Raiders official Twitter:
Yeah, we're ready for more of this.@derekcarrqb → @AB84 pic.twitter.com/ytMwly7vBg
— Oakland Raiders (@Raiders) August 28, 2019
This is undoubtedly a sight for sore eyes in Oakland. Despite all that has transpired with Brown this offseason, it is easy to see why the Raiders have still welcomed him back with open arms.
Carr’s leading pass-catcher during the 2018 campaign was tight end Jared Cook, who signed with New Orleans Saints in free agency. His leading wideout was the now-retired Jordy Nelson that finished the season with 63 receptions for 739 yards and three touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Brown is coming off another stellar season after hauling in 104 receptions for 1,297 and a career-high 15 touchdowns despite the fallout with his former team in the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now that he is looking back to full health, it is safe to say that his mere presence provides an immediate solution in their search for a safety net in the passing game.
The pair still have plenty of work to do if they hope to emerge into one of the NFL’s premier passing duos this season. Fortunately, it appears they are well on their way to making connections like these a regular occurrence once the real season begins.