In the first place, Jared Cook is not what you would call a journeyman tight end. However, the nine-year vet is on his third team in the past four seasons. With that said, he may have found a long-term home in Oakland. In his first season with the Raiders, Cook led the team in receiving yards (688) and finished second on the team in receptions (54).
In his first game of the 2018 season, Jared Cook put the league on notice with a monster game of nine receptions and 180 yards. With this new offensive system in place, Cook can wind up being one of the main beneficiaries on the new offense. Since the Raiders are in the AFC West, they face some of the best pass rushers in the NFL.
People like Melvin Ingram, Joey Bosa, and Von Miller dominate even the best. This is relevant to Jared Cook. If Derek Carr feels pressure inside the pocket, he will look for intermediate and short routes. Moreover, Cook presents a mismatch for most linebackers in the NFL. He is fast, with decent hands, and knows how to use his body frame to create separation.
He should play a huge role in this offense. Provided that Carr doesn’t look Cook’s way first with Amari Cooper struggling. The Raiders need Cook to continue making big plays this season. It is not a stretch to expect Cook to have multiple 100-yard games this season. If the Raiders continue to value the short and intermediate passing routes.
In the first half vs. the Los Angeles Rams, the Raiders used Cook in the slot and lined up tight. These different looks afford him many opportunities to matchup with smaller corners and linebackers. Derek Carr and Cook seem to possess a great connection with one another dating back to week 6 at home vs. the Kansas City Chiefs. In that game, Jared Cook converted a 3rd down play that set them up in the red zone. Plus, a crucial 4th down play that saved the game for the Raiders.
It would be a good bet to say Jared Cook will have his best season of his career in 2018. Jon Gruden wants to revert to a more run heavy approach, which will keep him on the field and will open him up down the field on play action. Cook had one of the best games of his career last week vs. the Rams. Furthermore, don’t be surprised if those big games continue
