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ALAMEDA – At dawn of week 1 and after an inaugural win against the Denver Broncos, the Raiders no longer gave any idea to Antonio Brown.
Coach Jon Gruden responded that the stray catcher had missed so much time at the training camp that the Raiders were able to function without him.
With the 1-2 Raiders and free-fall offense against the Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings, the story is different.
The Raiders visit the Colts of Indianapolis Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Gruden and quarterback Derek Carr made it clear on Wednesday without ever using Brown's name to explain the stress his absence put on the receiver group as a whole.
Brown was a job that had to go as evidenced by his behavior throughout the training camp and after the Raiders released him. But it is also true that Brown was also a sacred catcher. And the Raiders had big plans for him. The plans that needed to be changed had a ripple effect on the entire group of positions.
Veteran receiver Ryan Grant – the coach of week 1 in Brown's absence – retrieves his papers to walk so Justin Phillips can be promoted from the training team to treat injuries at linebacker.
"We thought we had a receiver who would play here," said Gruden. "It did not work. The roles have changed. Unfortunately, we had to make some changes to solve some of our problems. It was a difficult decision for us. (Grant), he's a good player. "
Later, asked about the changing roles, Gruden said about the receiver who will not be named: "When you lose your" Z "starting, which is undoubtedly a great player – I do not think that anyone who makes him argue that – you must replace him. We are making an effort to move Tyrell (Williams). We bring in younger guys. J.J. Nelson hurt himself, do not forget that. Dwayne Harris is hurt. we have had several problems to deal with and we treat them with wit. "
Carr acknowledged that Williams' role in particular had expanded with the absence of you-know-who.
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"He has to make different cuts, he has to make different trips," Carr said. "It has to do a lot more for us than originally planned. We had two guys sharing a certain burden. . . it puts more on Tyrell. . . I think it will be good for him because it will put much more the ball in his place. "
Nelson, in his first extended playing time, caught a 29-yard touchdown pass from Carr on a flea game for the Raiders' first touchdown against Minnesota.
Four other things we learned:
Waller thrives with additional responsibilities
The more Darren Waller produces a tight end, the more Gruden will find a way to put him in situations that are conducive to his fulfillment. Waller leads all of the NFL's tight goals at receptions (26) and ranks third (267) behind Chiefs 'Travis Kelce (284) and Giants' Evan Engram (277).
Although Waller said he would win statistics every day, he enjoys taking on additional responsibilities.
"It's a lot more volume and a lot more studies to do," Waller said. "That's what you want, you want to be challenged, that's what brings out the best of you, I'm ready to stand in line anywhere, blocking everyone."
Carr continues to sing the praises of Waller.
"What he does not deserve is that he plays an inverted game, the next blocking (Danielle) Hunter to protect the passes, then he plays Trae Waynes," Carr said. "You do not find these guys. They are not there.
Carr and the deep ball
All the old critics of Carr come back like a boomerang after two difficult games, including the refusal to throw the ball in the back of the net.
According to Profootballfocus.com, Carr's average depth is 6.7 yards, the fourth lowest in the NFL. Since they've taken a 10-0 lead against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Raiders have 16 possessions, 8 punts, 3 steals, a pair of touchdowns, a missed shot, a one-time turnaround and a race to possession. At the half of it or in the middle.
During that period, Carr completed 41 of 61 passes for 351 yards and 21 of those passes were six yards or less.
Carr added that the Raiders had made at least five ground kicks against the Vikings, some of whom had paid off. Another had been dropped, another was covered and another abandoned because of his defensive appearance.
"If you hit five of these players, everyone will be at its peak because it was a great day," Carr said.
A quick deficit of 21-0 (during which Carr was 3 out of 4 for 7 yards and one interception) did not help.
"If you have four fewer scores, three scores, the shot played, there is no say, there is no fake race," Carr said.
Gruden, of course, is not going to guess his quarterback three games in the season.
"I'm not going to put everything on Derek," said Gruden. "I call plays and design some of these things. I put it myself. It's not his fault to be thrust on the fourth and foot. He did not miss the blitz in the red zone. Had a ball that could have been caught to set up points at the end of half. He does good things. "
Loading at the linebacker
Additions of Dakota Allen and Phillips to the linebacker were made because Marquel Lee (ankle) was placed on the injured reserve, while Vontaze Burfict (elbow, knee, shoulder), Nicholas Morrow (ankle) and Kyle Wilber (quad) were all limited in practice and their status is uncertain to deal with the Colts.
Both were unqualified free agents, said Allen from the Los Angeles Rams training team and Phillips from their own coaching team. Lee and Wilber are key players on the special teams and the new linebackers could join if necessary before seeing the pitch in defense.
"I have to have linebackers," said Gruden. "Last week we missed and it was uncomfortable. We have restored the group and hope that guys can get healthy and play. "
In addition, linebacker Quinton Poling was added to the training team. Poling was a seventh-round pick by Miami and spent most of last season on the Dolphins' training team.
Joyner will stay
Lamarcus Joyner, the Raiders' only goal among the defensive players, was only 23 saves against the Vikings (he was added to the injured list on Friday with a groin injury). Joyner played in the slot for the Raiders, but has some experience in the back-end. Curtis Riley, meanwhile, fought against Minnesota as a deep security.
Gruden stated that he did not anticipate a role change for Joyner, although it is unlikely that he will separate from this information if a move is planned.
"The idea is for him not to stand next to me," said Gruden. "Last week's match, given the situation, we will take credit for it as staff. We will leave him where he is and give him creative roles. "
NOTES
Harris and Gabe Jackson (knee) were the only thieves who did not train. Tackle Trent Brown (ankle / knee) was limited.
Among the key players in the Colts who did not practice were wide receivers T.Y. Hilton (quad), safety Malik Hooker (knee) and linebacker Darius Leonard (concussion). Hooker is not expected to play.
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