3rd String Hope: Connor Cook

John Cascella, Staff Writer

Despite the talks about the Oakland Raiders moving to Las Vegas, the Raiders finished the year with a 12-4 record. They clinched a spot in the Wild Card game which we be played against the 9-7 Houston Texans on Saturday January 7th at 4:35 eastern time. The Raiders defense hopes to take advantage of formerly benched Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler, as Tom Savage is out for the game with a concussion. Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden will assume the role of backup quarterback. This will be the first playoff game played by the Raiders since the 2002-2003 season when the 11-5 Raiders lost to the 12-4 Buccaneers in the 37th Super Bowl. This year the Raiders are led by head coach Jack Del Rio and many young stars including wide receiver Amari Cooper, Quarterback Derek Carr, and Linebacker/Defensive End Kahlil Mack.

But the 2016-2017 Raiders team will need some help in this upcoming game since they lost their starting QB Derek Carr. Carr was in the process of being sacked by the Indianapolis Colts Trent Cole when his foot got stuck in the turf and twisted his leg, causing a broken fibula. After being sacked Carr said “it’s broke.” In Week 17 2nd string Quarterback Matt McGloin injured his shoulder after a hit by Jared Crick of the Denver Broncos. Now the Raiders plan to start former Michigan State Quarterback Connor Cook. Cook will be the first rookie in the Super Bowl Era to ever make his debut in the Playoffs. This Wild-card game will be his will be his first NFL start, although he did play in the Week 17 replacing the injured Matt McGloin. Cook threw for 150 yards, 1 Touchdown, and 1 interception on 21 passing attempts. Not a bad debut, considering Cook had not dressed until Week 17. After a solid start to his career Cook will look to lock in his first win and carry the Raider’s to their 4th Super Bowl Championship.