Bill Williamson, ESPN Staff Writer 10y

Decision-making vital for Matt Schaub

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- As the Oakland Raiders prepare for the regular season, a key for starting quarterback Matt Schaub is continuing to work on his decision making, offensive coordinator Greg Olson said Tuesday.

"I wasn't around Matt Schaub in Houston. From what I see on tape, I think he's similar to what he has been and what he is. Kind of like they say, he is what he is. I haven't seen significant loss of arm strength in the time that he's been here," Olson said. "To me, the biggest thing with Matt is the decision making. After the last season, is he making the right decisions?  ... I think his confidence is up. We haven't seen, throughout training camp, a bunch of ill-fated decisions so that's been a plus."

Schaub was replaced last season in Houston after a rash of interceptions. Schaub will start and perhaps play in the third quarter Friday night at Green Bay. The starting quarterback often plays little if any in the final preseason game, so this may be the last rehearsal for Schaub before their Sept. 7 opener at the New York Jets.

In other Raiders notes:

  • Raiders coach Dennis Allen said there has been strong competition at receiver this camp and the unit could be deep.

  • Allen is looking for another tight end to stand out. Tackle Khalif Barnes could play in some tight end scenarios, very likely in running situations.

  • The Raiders still haven't made a decision on whether rookie quarterback Derek Carr will play Friday, but I got the feeling barring a setback we will likely see him after Schaub on Friday night. He was cleared to practice on a limited basis Monday after getting a concussion Friday night against Detroit. Carr was very lucid and in good spirits Tuesday in the locker room.

  • Raiders defensive coordinator Jason Tarver said he is enjoying the veteran approach new cornerbacks Carlos Rogers and Tarell Brown have brought with them. He said both players recognize and address their mistakes quickly.

  • Olson lauded the power of rookie guard Gabe Jackson.

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