Chicago Bears can make Jon Gruden look foolish in London
By Ryan Heckman
2. Remind Gruden what else he traded away
As of right now, the Raiders do not have a single wide receiver on pace for 1,000 yards. Their leading wideout, Tyrell Williams, is currently pacing for 68 receptions and 864 yards this season. Williams does have four scores in four games, which I’ll give him credit for. But, Williams is best suited as a solid no. 2 option. The Raiders don’t have that elite-level talent at wideout…anymore.
More from Da Windy City
- 3 takeaways from Chicago Blackhawks shootout loss to Nashville
- Chicago Cubs in the middle of chaos that is Shohei Ohtani’s free agency
- The Chicago Cubs are on a roller coaster of emotions chasing Shohei Ohtani
- Chicago Bears quietly compiling list of head coaching candidates
- Chicago White Sox News: Erick Fedde signs two-year deal
In case Gruden forgot, he traded away a guy in Amari Cooper who has been tearing it up on the Dallas Cowboys since exiting Oakland. In the 13 games Cooper has played for the Cowboys, he’s tallied 74 receptions for 1,111 yards and 10 touchdowns — yikes.
If the Bears want to stop Oakland’s passing attack, their focus should actually be centered on tight end Darren Waller, who leads the Raiders in receiving this year with 320 yards in four games.
To Gruden’s credit, Waller looks like a strong find. However, Derek Carr has hardly been known for airing it out. Carr’s love affair with passes under 20 yards sets up a guy like Waller for a great season. Waller is talented, no doubt. But, Carr’s limitations are perfect for a tight end.
If the Bears can take away Waller, there won’t be much for Carr to utilize. I don’t see the Bears giving Carr too much time to throw, which means he’ll be looking for Waller even more often. I’m sure Chuck Pagano has studied the tape over the first four weeks, knowing darn well it’s going to be Waller who has Carr’s eye each and every down.