Withstanding a torrent of speculation, the Oakland Raiders managed to play a preseason game. Before and after, the team needed to fight through the mess. Yet, they managed to survive. With that said, below, quotes and their translations.
Antonio Brown, on the NFL’s denial of his helmet waiver request.
“While I disagree with the arbitrator’s decision I’m working on getting back to full health and looking forward to rejoining my teammates on the field”
Translation
Like it or not, Brown followed the proper channels. Meanwhile, rumors of his retirement surfaced. However, Brown intimated that he would return to the team. For anyone that roots or covers the Raiders, that news means a great deal.
PFT’s Michael David Smith, on Brown’s solution
Schutt stopped making the Air Advantage in 2011, and Brown’s helmet is more than 10 years old. But there are Air Advantage helmets out there that are eight or nine years old, and if Brown can find one that fits him properly and is in good condition, the league will let him wear it, the source said.
Translation
If Brown can locate that model of helmet, under ten years old, with league approval, he can use that. As a result, imagine the sporting goods store owners looking through their inventory. More importantly, Brown can possibly squeeze another year or two out of his helmet. Comfort to a player means the world. Plus, others did possess the same complaints.
Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski on Raiders DE Arden Key
“So, Key securing a sack in the first preseason contest against the Rams is no small feat,” he wrote. “Key’s second-year improvement opposite Ferrell is, well, key to the Raiders’ defensive growth. … Key will be used in sub packages as a primary edge rusher.
Translation
While the sack does not count in the regular season, it requires examination. Key finally got home. With that, the ability to thrive in specialized situations. Now, to be fair, the Raiders leaned heavily on Key last year. Key struggled mightily. However, Key did show some upside. Now, he will exclusively see the field on passing downs.
The Oakland Raiders fought through headlines without much of a response. Despite media pining and fan outrage, they handled business.
