Raiders quarterback Derek Carr and wide receiver Amari Cooper got along well in their first year together, so they decided to take the next step in their relationship this year.
They threw the ball together at a park near where both live in the offseason and were part of a pre-camp passing camp that ended without incident for Cooper, although running back Taiwan Jones wasn’t quite so lucky. Now, they’ve decided to take the plunge and move in together.
It’s just a temporary arrangement for training camp, but the two key players in the Raiders passing game are spending as much time together as they can in hopes that increased closeness off the field will boost their chemistry on it.
“We’re having a good time, man,” Carr said, via CSNBayArea.com. “It’s good to come back and just talk ball with him. He tells me his goals, I share my stuff with him and we’re able to ... I know how he thinks. I know how he likes to go about his business. I know what he likes to do off the field. Amari and I should have the best relationship ever. The same thing goes with all of my receivers and all my teammates, really. The fact that we’re roommates only helps because we get to see each other away from football, away from the coaches. It’s been awesome.”
Cooper said the two players discuss possible adjustments to plays once they retire to their hotel room in Napa, something that could help their efficiency this season. Cooper caught 72 passes last season while being targeted 123 times, leaving room to grow in a year the Raiders hope sees growth across the board.