Battle For Backup
Silver & Black Illustrated|August 28, 2017

Cook, Manuel dueling for role of No. 2 QB

Michael Wagaman
Battle For Backup

Derek Carr’s season-ending broken leg in 2016 exposed one of the oldest — and truest — adages in football history: that the most important position on the roster is the backup quarterback.

The Raiders season completely came apart on that day in Week 16 when Carr collapsed to the turf at the Oakland Coliseum, clutching his leg as the sold out crowd looked on in stunned silence. Many knew immediately then what would come to light over the following two weeks when it became apparent that the drop-off from Carr to the backup was too much to overcome.

And so as the Raiders made their way through training camp there was extra attention being paid to the battle between Conor Cook and E.J. Manuel to be Carr’s understudy, with the veteran Manuel taking the early lead into the clubhouse.

“We all have to have growth,” Manuel said. “As good as Derek has to be, we all have to be good, too. When and if that times comes, you have to answer the bell.”

Esta historia es de la edición August 28, 2017 de Silver & Black Illustrated.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición August 28, 2017 de Silver & Black Illustrated.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE SILVER & BLACK ILLUSTRATEDVer todo
‘We have to be a much more detailed football team'
Silver & Black Illustrated

‘We have to be a much more detailed football team'

Like so many Raiders fans, coach Jon Gruden found himself searching for answers after the Raiders’ second-half collapse that cost the team a spot in the expanded playoffs.

time-read
7 minutos  |
February - March 2021
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
Silver & Black Illustrated

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

Starting Tackle Kolton Miller is entering the final year of his rookie contract.

time-read
3 minutos  |
February - March 2021
Wanted: Defensive coordinator
Silver & Black Illustrated

Wanted: Defensive coordinator

The Raiders didn’t wait long to begin their search for a new defensive coordinator, and it’s becoming clear that Jon Gruden has already narrowed his list down.

time-read
6 minutos  |
February - March 2021
Raiders' good, bad, ugly
Silver & Black Illustrated

Raiders' good, bad, ugly

Raiders’ good, bad, ugly

time-read
3 minutos  |
February - March 2021
NEWS & NOTES
Silver & Black Illustrated

NEWS & NOTES

The Raiders had one of the easier schedules in 2020 and got only eight wins to show for it. Things won’t get any easier in 2021, either.

time-read
3 minutos  |
February - March 2021
Looking back at 2020 season
Silver & Black Illustrated

Looking back at 2020 season

The 2020 season will absolutely be remembered for being one of the strangest and most disappointing in franchise history.

time-read
6 minutos  |
February - March 2021
Gruden feeling the heat?
Silver & Black Illustrated

Gruden feeling the heat?

“I know there is a big bull’s-eye on my chest, certainly. If the people want to use that as an incentive, then so be it. I worked for Al Davis in 1998. That was pressure. I was 34 years old. I’ve dealt with pressure before. I don’t really feel pressure. I love the excitement and thrill of competing, and I can’t worry about things I can’t control in that regard. I know people will want to step on me and beat me, and that is just the way this league is.”

time-read
3 minutos  |
February - March 2021
From the SILVERANDBLACK.com Message Boards
Silver & Black Illustrated

From the SILVERANDBLACK.com Message Boards

S&BI continually scans the message boards across Raider Nation to see what Raider fans are talking about now that the 2020 season has ended for the Raiders. We chose some of the better posts and present them here.

time-read
6 minutos  |
February - March 2021
Checklist for 2021
Silver & Black Illustrated

Checklist for 2021

Now that the 2020 season has been put to rest for Las Vegas, the Raiders have shifted their focus to what figures to be a busy offseason as they prepare for 2021.

time-read
3 minutos  |
February - March 2021
AFC WEST ROUNDUP
Silver & Black Illustrated

AFC WEST ROUNDUP

The Chargers fired coach Anthony Lynn after four seasons.

time-read
3 minutos  |
February - March 2021