In a game and moment where the Las Vegas Raiders needed their 2019 first-round pick to step up, the man faded. Johnathan Abram had an opportunity to punch his ticket to redemption against the Kansas City Chiefs on a Sunday night, much like last season.
What Abram might’ve instead punched is a one-way ticket out of Vegas. He simply couldn’t seize the moment that presented itself to him and with so many chances to make a breakthrough play, Abram faltered.
Per @pff, #Raiders Johnathan Abram was targeted 9 times last night. He allowed 9 catches for 127 yards and 2 TDs
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) November 15, 2021
The feelings on Abram have gone sour…
We have to and we will be better. A lot of football left to be played.
— Johnathan Abram 🆠(@JohnathanAbram1) November 15, 2021
Abram Tweeted the statement above after the game, and let’s just say the responses haven’t been great. If the first touchdown wasn’t bad enough, the second one sure did him in. On a fake toss, Abram jumped forward and then ran the opposite way of Byron Pringle as he spun around, and it was a simple pitch and catch touchdown.
While you can’t put it all on Abram for Sunday’s loss, this was the second week in a row where he was out-jumped on a touchdown pass. Also, it wasn’t as if he was outmuscled, but rather, he was outplayed on that play. Abram has brought hype and energy since his rookie season was cut short after his first game. Many thought he’d be farther along by now; instead, we have seen much regression.
He seemed to have possibly turned the corner this season, but these past few weeks have caused a U-turn. That, of course, is something that fans feared. His time in the Silver and Black could be coming to an end if this type of play continues, which is unfortunate. Once hailed as a future cornerstone, Abram could end up getting written off as another first-round bust.
