New England Patriots: 3 Rival Coaches Cringe at Addition of Brandin Cooks

Oakland Raiders – Jack Del Rio

A team that was very close to challenging the New England Patriots in the AFC in 2016 were the Oakland Raiders.  Of course, we won’t know how close or distant they were due to the season-ending injury of quarterback Derek Carr.

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With one of the more explosive offenses in the NFL, the Raiders are expected to take the next step in 2017.

Head coach Jack Del Rio and his team will get an opportunity to face off with the Patriots this upcoming season and it will certainly be a test for a team thirsty for post-season success.

Speaking at the NFL owners meetings earlier in the week, Del Rio admitted the news of the trade rattled him a bit because of the ability of Cooks to be a real factor in New England’s offense.

"“Yeah, I do cringe a little bit.  They added a real special talent in Cooks,” Del Rio told reporters, via the Provident Journal.  “He can really do some things.  He can really create some separation.”"