Raider legend and Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Tim Brown set the record for the 104-pass franchise in 1997. Jon Gruden wasn’t sure if any Raiders would take more.
But it is possible to do that against the Broncos on Sunday. One that Gruden, the Raiders coach, says is “one of the best players I have ever seen playing football”. Being the tight end Darren Waller, who apparently gets better each year.
Better every week.
“I just try to stay in the moment and continue to improve,” said Waller. “I don’t try to think that I know everything because I presented some decent numbers.”
Waller is ready to put the finishing touches on one of the biggest individual seasons in the franchise’s history, needing just seven catches on Sunday to set a franchise record. The 28-year-old on Saturday set a franchise record for one-season receptions for a tight end, eclipsing Todd Christensen’s long-standing 95 mark.
He leads the team with 98 receptions, 1,079 reception yards and eight touchdowns. Gruden said this week that he sees similarities with Brown, who played 16 years for the Raiders and holds franchise records in games played (240), receptions (1,070) and receiving yards (14,734), among others.
“He has Tim Brown’s Hall of Fame, All-Pro work ethic, concentration, focus, desire and has the right attitude every day,” said Gruden. “He is a first rate competitor in the stages, in the meetings and in the field, which is why he is where he is today as one of the best.”
Waller saved his best for last season, passing 100 yards in three of his last four games, including a 200-yard run on December 6 against the New York Jets and a 150-yard run on December 17 against the Chargers. He has accumulated 537 yards in the last four games, losing only to Jimmy Graham in more by a tight end in a four-game period.
Graham, then with the New Orleans Saints, had 548 yards during a stretch in 2013.
At 6 feet 6 inches and 255 pounds, Waller is too big for defenders and too fast for linebackers. He is skilled enough to maneuver to make contested catches. Productive enough to consolidate its legacy in the Raider tradition.
He said he met Brown during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars last year and is thrilled to be mentioned among the great Raiders.
“Even being mentioned under your name is very crazy,” said Waller. “I remember seeing him when he was super young … Even being in this conversation is incredible.”
Injury report
Strikers Rodney Hudson (knee / back) and Gabe Jackson (knee) were limited on Thursday, as was defensive attack Maurice Hurst (calf). Wide receiver Hunter Renfrow was a full participant after missing Wednesday’s training. Defensive end Chris Smith was left out due to illness.
Right tackle Trent Brown (knee), guard / tackle Denzelle Good (ankle) and defensive side Lamarcus Joyner (thigh) missed training for the second consecutive day.
At the time
Interim defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli did not say on Thursday whether he was interested in holding the position permanently. The former defensive line coach said, “I let things go as they go.”
“It was always me,” said Marinelli. “I love being with these guys. I love to watch them grow. I’ll leave it at that. “
Contact reporter Sam Gordon at [email protected]. Follow @BySamGordon on twitter.