Fansided
Fansided

Oakland Raiders: Who Wins The 5 Key Position Battles?

By Erik Lambert

Sep 25, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Oakland Raiders tight end Clive Walford (88) catches a pass against the Tennessee Titans during a NFL football game at Nissan Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Titans 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Oakland Raiders tight end Clive Walford (88) catches a pass against the Tennessee Titans during a NFL football game at Nissan Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Titans 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Jan 7, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Connor Cook (8) in action against the Houston Texans during the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Connor Cook (8) in action against the Houston Texans during the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Quarterback:  Connor Cook vs. E.J. Manuel

Last years proved once again how vital the backup quarterback position can be. Without Derek Carr, the Raiders were caught completely flatfooted despite what they thought was careful preparation. Matt McGloin got hurt and Connor Cook looked lost at times. That is why the upcoming duel between Cook and newest addition E.J. Manuel can’t be overlooked. There is always the chance that Carr goes down again. Can the Raiders trust either of them?

Winner:  Connor Cook

Manuel may be more experienced than Cook but the reality is he knows the offense better and got valuable playing experience late last season. Odds say he’s much better prepared than he was as a rookie, having seen live bullets and survived to tell the tale. That should only improve his confidence if and when the next chance comes. Cook showed at times that when he plays with calm he can be quite effective on the field.

Home/NFL Hot Takes