Raiders Sign Brooks to Two-Year Deal
Thursday March 23, 2006
According to Associated Press reports, the Oakland Raiders agreed to terms Wednesday with former New Orleans quarterback Aaron Brooks on a two-year contract worth more than $8 million.
Brooks has the inside track to replace Kerry Collins, who was recently released, as the club's starter this season. Marques Tuiasosopo looks like a career backup and isn't likely to beat out Brooks. And even thought the Raiders seem to be high on second-year pro Andrew Walter, the third-round draft pick (2005) didn't play at all last season and is probably not ready to start. Which most likely gives the job to Brooks by default this year.
I have to admit, my initial reaction to the signing was... "blah, Aaron Brooks. Poor Raiders fans!"
But after thinking about it, perhaps this isn't as bad for the team as it appears.
The Raiders have an explosive receiving corps, assuming Randy Moss can shake the injuries that have plagued him the past couple seasons. And what does Brooks bring to the table that Collins didn't? An ability to buy time with his feet so his receivers can get downfield. An ability to improvise when the pressure is on.
Don't get me wrong. I don't foresee Brooks leading this team deep into the playoffs. But he has big-play ability. And with receivers like Moss and Jerry Porter who can go up and get the ball, Brooks can get away with putting the ball up for grabs. I don't expect him to suddenly improve his decision making, but he should be able to get away with simply chucking the ball downfield and letting his receivers go get it.
Brooks' athleticism is the key. He might be as inconsistent as they come throwing the ball, but his ability to move around adds a threat that simply wasn't there with Collins behind center. Join the discussion...
Brooks has the inside track to replace Kerry Collins, who was recently released, as the club's starter this season. Marques Tuiasosopo looks like a career backup and isn't likely to beat out Brooks. And even thought the Raiders seem to be high on second-year pro Andrew Walter, the third-round draft pick (2005) didn't play at all last season and is probably not ready to start. Which most likely gives the job to Brooks by default this year.
I have to admit, my initial reaction to the signing was... "blah, Aaron Brooks. Poor Raiders fans!"
But after thinking about it, perhaps this isn't as bad for the team as it appears.
The Raiders have an explosive receiving corps, assuming Randy Moss can shake the injuries that have plagued him the past couple seasons. And what does Brooks bring to the table that Collins didn't? An ability to buy time with his feet so his receivers can get downfield. An ability to improvise when the pressure is on.
Don't get me wrong. I don't foresee Brooks leading this team deep into the playoffs. But he has big-play ability. And with receivers like Moss and Jerry Porter who can go up and get the ball, Brooks can get away with putting the ball up for grabs. I don't expect him to suddenly improve his decision making, but he should be able to get away with simply chucking the ball downfield and letting his receivers go get it.
Brooks' athleticism is the key. He might be as inconsistent as they come throwing the ball, but his ability to move around adds a threat that simply wasn't there with Collins behind center. Join the discussion...
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