When the Oakland Raiders and Houston Texans face off this Saturday in the wildcard round of the playoffs, rookie Connor Cook will be the starting quarterback. With Derek Carr and Matt McGloin sidelined by injuries, Cook remains the only legitimate option that the Raiders have left.
Connor Cook Will Start vs. Houston Texans
When Connor Cook goes out onto the field this Saturday, it will mark the first time in the Super Bowl era that a quarterback’s first NFL start took place in the post-season. Derek Carr is in no condition to return yet, and between his questionable health and poor play, Matt McGloin isn’t good to go either.
While the Raiders have the worst odds of any team in the playoffs, all is not lost. With a great offensive line, a couple of great receivers in Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree, Connor Cook could still have a good game. Some fans were arguing for Cook before the game against the Denver Broncos, and after a miserable performance from McGloin, their argument has only gotten stronger.
McGloin only threw 11 passes before the injury took him out of the game, but it wasn’t looking pretty. He completed six of those passes for just 21 yards. When Connor Cook finally got into the game, he was able to move the ball much easier. Some blame Bill Musgrave, claiming the play-calling was more aggressive with Cook, but that’s just ridiculous.
Growing Pains?
Why would Bill Musgrave turn up the heat just because Connor Cook was in? He’s a rookie quarterback, playing his first regular season minutes, against an elite NFL defense. Matt McGloin is a four year veteran. If fans believe Musgrave thinks Cook can handle a more aggressive style better than McGloin, then maybe they should just trust him.
Regardless, Cook played okay. Despite playing a good defense, he completed 14 of his 21 passes for 150 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. He wasn’t Derek Carr, but he wasn’t terrible either. With a full week of first team reps, who’s to say Connor Cook doesn’t play lights out for the Oakland Raiders?
