The Raiders chose wisely.
In a draft where Amari Cooper and Kevin White were considered the two best wide receivers, Oakland selected the former fourth overall. While White’s Bears debut might wait until 2016, the Alabama alum has been stellar in silver and black.
Cooper has set career highs in each of his first three NFL games. He caught eight passes for 134 yards in Sunday’s win in Cleveland.
Combined with quarterback Derek Carr and running back Latavius Murray, the Raiders have an enviable young core. Per NFL Network, no under-25 trio in league history compiled as many passing, rushing and receiving yards as their 596 Sunday.
That’s a challenge for a Bears defense Pernell McPhee said improved in Seattle.
“Some of that dog started coming out,” he said.
Here are three more things the Bears will watch this week:
• Kyle vs. Khalil. Stud second-year defensive end Khalil Mack, who recorded his first two sacks Sunday, figures to line up against right tackle Kyle Long.
• Big game for Martellus? The Raiders have allowed tight ends to post career-best yards in every game this year, including the Browns’ Gary Barnidge, who caught six passes for 105 yards and a score. They’ve allowed five touchdowns to tight ends this year.
• They’re not all kids. When safety Charles Woodson intercepted a Cleveland pass, it marked the 18th-straight season in which he’s made a pick. Only Hall of Famer Darrell Green can say the same.
Follow me on Twitter @patrickfinley
Email: pfinley@suntimes.com
