Aug 28, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Derek Carr read the defense, saw Amari Cooper in single-coverage, and let it fly for a 40-yard completion.
That's the new offensive strategy in Oakland. For the first time, but certainly not the last, it paid dividends.
"With the pressure, I thought the corner might sit on a route heading for the (first-down marker)," Carr told reporters. "He (Cooper) set their guy up, and then showed great burst going deep."
That's an element Oakland has missed in recent years. Carr completed just seven passes of 40-plus yards in 16 games and averaged 5.5 yards per pass attempt last season.
Cooper's arrival could usher in a new offensive era, though. The Alabama product was lauded by drafniks -- and his quarterback -- for out-of-this-world route running ability.
He showcased it on that 40 yard stop-and-go pattern that left the cornerback grasping for air.
"Amari did a good job of setting the route up," Carr said of the play. "The guy is smart beyond his years when it comes to route running."
So Carr will throw his way early and often. There are a lot of big passing plays to be had in Oakland these days -- and the Raiders' new "AC/DC" tandem wants them all.
"Derek throws a great deep ball and we have some guys who can get behind people," head coach Jack Del Rio told reporters. "The explosive part of it was pretty good."
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