Once upon a time, Matt Schaub was a perfectly functional quarterback, good even.
But after last year’s confidence-shattering pick-six-a-thon for the Texans, getting a fresh start in Oakland is apparently good for him.
Defensive tackle Antonio Smith, who came from Houston to Oakland alongside Schaub this offseason, said he can tell his quarterback looks like a new man.
“Schaubby’s getting his mojo back,” Smith said, via Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle. “He’s getting his confidence back. He’s starting to believe in himself again. He is starting to throw with confidence. You would be surprised just how much your mind-set is important in this league.”
Last year was such an abject disaster for Schaub that it’s easy to forget he made two Pro Bowls, and was better than average for an extended stretch of time.
At 33, he won’t get many more chances, but the Raiders are fully behind him, and if that mojo is indeed back, they might have a shot to improve this year.