Raiders receiver Rod Streater hasn’t worked much with quarterback Derek Carr. Streater spent last offseason and training camp working with then first-team signal caller Matt Schaub.
Carr got promoted at camp's end, but the duo had just three weeks of consistent work before Streater was lost for the year with a foot injury. Carr missed most of 2015’s offseason program, creating another missed opportunity to sync up.
No matter. Streater and Carr are using this downtime to play catch-up.
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“Derek and I are working hard every day,” Streater said Wednesday in an interview with 95.7-FM in San Francisco.
“We’re in the gym together and on the field together, and I’m trying to pick up that timing that we lost. I was hurt last year. I thought we’d get a lot of work in during the offseason program, and then Derek got hurt. We only had the minicamp to work, so I’m trying to use my time wisely.”
Carr will unite the receiver corps in Fresno this offseason for a private "minicamp," to ensure the passing game is in sync with camp formally kicks off July 31.
Last year’s passing game rarely got off the ground. Carr showed flashes last year, but the rookie was learning on the job. Streater was hurt, and the receivers were generally considered a team weakness. Only two players exceeded 600 receiving yards and the passing game ranked No. 26 overall.
Streater’s health, and the addition of No. 4 overall pick Amari Cooper and free agent Michael Crabtree, has added strength to this group.
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“I think it’s going to be an explosive year for us,” Streater told 95.7’s Chad Doing, Lorenzo Neal and Joe Fortenbaugh. “We’ve got Amari Cooper coming in, and he’s got the size and speed to make an impact right away. When you look at the receiving corps as a whole, I believe we can all contribute and play each position. …It’s going to be hard to stop us, because we can create mismatches all over the field.”
Streater clearly has his explosion back following last year’s foot injury should be a productive member of Bill Musgrave’s offense. While he wouldn’t reveal scheme secrets, Streater said “’it’s going to be an exciting offense. The ball could go anywhere.”
While the fourth-year veteran prefers the ball head his way, personal statistics aren’t his top priority.
“I’m focused on team goals because I’m tired of losing,” Streater said. “There are no more excuses. I want to win, and win it all.”
