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Raiders legend and Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Tim Brown captured a franchise record 104 assists in 1997. Jon Gruden wasn’t sure a Raider would catch more.
But we have a chance to do it against the Broncos on Sunday. The one who, according to Gruden, the coach of the Raiders, is “one of the best players I have ever seen playing football.” The tight one is Darren Waller, who seems to be improving every year.
Better every week.
“I’m just trying to stay in the moment and keep improving,” Waller said. “I’m not trying to think I know everything just because I’m giving decent numbers.”
Waller is set to put the finishing touches on one of the greatest individual seasons in franchise history, needing just seven catches on Sunday to set a franchise record. The 28-year-old set a franchise record for receptions in a season on Saturday with a tight end, eclipsing the 95-year-old mark of Todd Christensen.
He leads the team with 98 receptions, 1,079 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Gruden said this week he sees similarities with Brown, who played 16 years for the Raiders and holds franchise records in games played (240), receptions (1,070) and yards (14,734), among others. .
“He’s got the Tim Brown Hall of Fame, the All-Pro work ethic, focus, focus, desire and he’s got the right attitude every day,” Gruden said. “He’s a top contender in walkthroughs, in meetings and in the field, and that’s why he stands where he is today as one of the best.
Waller saved his best for the last season this season, going over 100 yards in three of his last four games, including a 200-yard outing Dec.6 against the New York Jets and a 150-yard performance on Dec. 17 against the Chargers. He’s amassed 537 yards in the last four games, second to only Jimmy Graham for the most by a tight end in four games.
Graham, then with the New Orleans Saints, had 548 yards on a 2013 streak.
At 6-foot-6 and 255 pounds, Waller is too big for defensive backs and too quick for linebackers. He’s skilled enough to outsmart both to make disputed holds. Productive enough to cement its legacy in Raider lore.
He said he met Brown in a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars last year and was thrilled to be mentioned among the big Raiders.
“Even being mentioned with his name is pretty crazy,” Waller said. “I remember watching it when I was very young… Even being in this conversation is amazing.”
Injury report
Offensive linemen Rodney Hudson (knee / full back) and Gabe Jackson (knee) were both limited on Thursday, as was defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (calf). Wide receiver Hunter Renfrow was a full participant after missing Wednesday’s practice. Defensive end Chris Smith remained ill.
Right tackle Trent Brown (knee), guard / tackle Denzelle Good (ankle) and defensive back Lamarcus Joyner (thigh) all missed practice for the second straight day.
In the moment
Acting defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli did not say on Thursday whether he wanted to keep the job permanently. The former defensive line coach said, “I’m just letting it go as I go.”
“It’s always been me,” Marinelli said. “I love being with these guys. I love to watch them grow up. I’ll just leave that.
Contact reporter Sam Gordon at [email protected]. To follow @BySamGordon on Twitter.
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