Tight end Foster Moreau hoped to play a bigger role in the Las Vegas Raiders’ offense in 2021. Let’s take a look at how he did and what the future holds for him.
Background
Chosen in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL draft, Moreau had a successful rookie year before it was cut short due to injuries. In 2020, veteran tight end Jason Witten signed with the club, and his presence caused Moreau to lose over 100 offensive snaps from his rookie season.
What about 2021?
Coming into 2021, Moreau was recognized as the Silver and Black’s number two tight end. His offensive snaps went from 255 in 2020 to 707 in 2021. Along with having an expanded role as the second tight end, he took on the role of a starting tight end eleven times. With Darren Waller being out for six games in 2021, it was imperative that Moreau be able to shoulder the starting role.
Moreau’s first start in place of Waller was a victory against the Philadelphia Eagles. In the matchup, Moreau pulled in all six of his targets for 60 yards. Waller then missed a stretch of five games towards the end of the season. In Waller’s absence, Moreau was able to help the team to a 3-2 record.
Waller was back in action in the final game of the regular season. Moreau took on the role of the second tight end and made two catches for 50 yards. One of these catches was a breakout 44-yard reception that put the Raiders in prime field position. The Raiders won the game 35-32 in overtime to clinch a playoff berth.
All told, Moreau was targeted 44 times for 30 receptions on the season. He totaled 373 yards and added three touchdowns. While he showed remarkable progress over the course of the season, he still has areas that need improvement.
Areas of Improvement
Moreau committed four penalties in 2021, including two holding penalties in the red zone. He added two drops for the year. Another area he can improve on is his blocking skills. Moreau only ran routes on 43 percent of pass plays, so an improvement in this area is necessary.
Future with the Raiders?
The Raiders have Moreau under contract through 2022. While it remains to be seen if he is offered an extension, he is expected to be a big part of the Las Vegas offense again this next season. Before new Raiders coach Josh McDaniels was hired, he proposed an offense based on play-action and two tight end sets. Moreau would be one of these tight ends, along with Waller. To sum it all up, Raider fans should look forward to seeing a lot of Moreau in the upcoming year.
I’m told Josh McDaniels laid out an extensive/aggressive offensive system that he believes Derek Carr can execute — focused on continued use of play-action and much more two TE sets w/both Darren Waller and Foster Moreau. Would be surprised if McDaniels isn’t #Raiders next HC. https://t.co/VixrJGCXA1
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 30, 2022
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*Top Photo: Matt Freed/Post-Gazette