Editor's note: Scott Bair is in Alameda Tuesday through Thursday for the Raiders' three-day minicamp. Stay logged on to CSNBayArea.com and tune in nightly to SportsNet Central and Yahoo SportsTalk Live for comprehensive coverage.
ALAMEDA – There’s been some talk this week about rookie quarterback Derek Carr’s accelerated progress, and deservedly so, but the veteran locked in ahead of him has received lofty praise as well.
Head coach Dennis Allen was complimentary of Matt Schaub’s efforts during the offseason program, with more encouraging words about the immediate future.
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“I think he’s been outstanding,” Allen said. “That’s what you’re looking for in a veteran quarterback. I don’t think we’ve seen the best of what we’re going to see out of Matt Schaub.”
Allen’s belief lies in the fact that Schaub has excelled despite being in a system that gives him freedom to read and react for just a few months. The more Schaub masters his responsibilities, the better Allen believes he’ll be.
“Even though he is a veteran player, it’s still a different offense for him, it’s still something new,” Allen said. “He’s still learning, but I’ve been very pleased with what I’ve seen out of him so far.”
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Schaub believes he’s covered significant ground in the months since being acquired in a trade from the Houston Texans. He said the offense has worked through the entire playbook and that he understands the scheme well. The next stage is refining, exactly what the Raiders need with so many new additions.
“You know, I feel good, given where we are in the offseason progression, coming in a little over two months ago, and where we’re at as an offense,” Schaub said. “It’s a continuing process and each day, we're just trying to get a little bit better and pick out a few things to work on from the day before. It’s a never-ending thing, just continuing to get better. But I feel good out there. I feel good in the huddle. I feel good about what we’re trying to accomplish offensively.”
