The Raiders’ struggled mightily on offense last year for a few different reasons. They couldn’t protect Derek Carr, and even when he did have time to throw, the weapons at receiver were subpar.
However, one of the biggest reasons why they struggled to score points was due to their ineffectiveness in the red zone. In 2018, the Raiders scored touchdowns on just 53.4 percent of their red zone trips, 22nd in the NFL. Compare that to teams like the Steelers and Chiefs, who were punching the ball into the end zone on more than 73 percent of their trips inside the 20.
If the Raiders want to improve their offense next season, they have to become more efficient in this area. Luckily for Oakland, they have just acquired one of the best red zone receivers in the entire league in Antonio Brown.
On the latest edition of the Move the Sticks podcast, NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks ranked the top-five red zone receivers in the league. Coming in at No. 2 is none other than Brown. Listen to what the two had to say about the seven-time Pro Bowl receiver.
Over the last five seasons, Brown has been one of the most unstoppable receivers near the end zone. During that time, he’s scored 59 touchdowns as he can create instant separation with his route running.
With the additions of Josh Jacobs, Trent Brown and of course, Antonio Brown, look for the Raiders to be a much-improved red zone team in 2019. And if that does indeed happen, Oakland will be a dramatically better team next year.
