The Oakland Raiders are wasting no time with their newest acquisition. New linebacker Aaron Curry will be starting at the weak side linebacker position on Sunday when the Raiders host the Cleveland Browns, replacing incumbent starter Quentin Groves.
Before the season started, many believed that one of the key positions of need for the Raiders was at the outside linebacker position, specifically, at the weak side position. The other linebacker positions are solid with 2010 first round draft pick Rolando McClain holding down the middle linebacker spot and recent trade acquisition Kamerion Wimbley holding down the strong side linebacker position.
However, as the off season came and went, the Raiders did not go out and find another linebacker. Well, that changed earlier this week when the Raiders traded for Aaron Curry. At first, it was assumed that Curry would primarily be a back up who could possibly challenge for a starting position as the season went on. As it turns out, the Raiders have no intention on waiting for Curry to prove himself.
Though the Raiders have not commented on the benching of Quentin Groves, it is believed that Groves issues with run defense were a major reason they have decided to bench him. However, there are also rumors that the coaching staff was not pleased with Groves' mentality and that thought process came to a head when he failed to get off of the field in time, causing a penalty for 12 men on the field, during the final drive of the Texans game.
Regardless of the reason for the benching of Groves, Sunday begins the era of Curry.