Michael Crabtree’s move across bay pays off for him and Raiders

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Michael Crabtree has plied his trade in the Bay Area since 2009, so Northern California fans have had a close-up view of him for a long time. And in his final days with the 49ers last season, he was labeled something of a malcontent, a receiver whose best days were probably behind him.

Don’t tell the Raiders that.

“The person you describe, I’ve never seen,” quarterback Derek Carr said. “I guarantee if you took a poll of our top five favorite teammates, he’d be up there. Everyone loves him. People gravitate toward him because he’s funny. The only thing he cares about is competing. I’m very happy he’s here now.”

Carr certainly was happy to have Crabtree on Sunday. With Amari Cooper contained by Jets All-Pro Darrelle Revis, Carr looked for other targets. His favorite was Crabtree, whom he found seven times for 102 yards and a touchdown; Crabtree caught a pass over the middle and fought his way through tacklers into the end zone. Carr called it “dad strength.”

Crabtree celebrated by taking his first leap into the Black Hole.

“That was exciting,” Crabtree said.

His teammates see him cheering Cooper’s successes, blocking downfield for Latavius Murray, doing the little things. Crabtree brings experience, having played in NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl.

Michael Crabtree (15) gets swallowed up by The Black Hole after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter as the Oakland Raiders played the New York Jets at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, November 1, 2015. less Michael Crabtree (15) gets swallowed up by The Black Hole after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter as the Oakland Raiders played the New York Jets at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, November ... more Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle Image 1 of / 9 Caption Close Michael Crabtree’s move across bay pays off for him and Raiders 1 / 9 Back to Gallery

“He’s a real pro,” head coach Jack Del Rio said. “We love having him. From Day 1, he really fit in our locker room and has been a great teammate. He does everything we ask. He works his tail off. He’s a great example for Coop, but not just a mentor. He’s making plays.”

Crabtree recorded the 10th 100-yard receiving game of his career (and second of the season); he didn’t have one last season. He also has three touchdowns this season after scoring only four times last season in a 49ers uniform.

Crabtree won’t express vindication for his bounce-back season.

“I’m 28 years old,” he said. “I don’t know about no end. All I know about is work. About doing what I’m supposed to do.”

And he’s having fun.

“I love this team,” he said. “I love these fans. I’m just doing whatever I need to do.”

Ann Killion is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist.