The Las Vegas Raiders and Denver Broncos are long-standing rivals, and there is a new plot twist matchup-wise before their first meeting in 2022. While the Silver and Black have dominated the series in recent years (4-0) since 2020, a new face has taken the reigns under center in Denver. That face is Russell Wilson, an MVP-caliber quarterback who has been off to a slow start this season. However, there will potentially be a much more intriguing matchup on the defensive side of his squad with one of the Raiders’ offensive new faces.
The Raiders need to get Davante Adams going – now.
Wide receiver Davante Adams has been on the positive end of a receiving touchdown in all three contests this season. However, the sky is the limit with a player of his caliber-regardless of bracket or double team coverage.
Davante Adams has a TD catch in all 3 games a Raider — he and Derek Carr have connected for TDs in 12 straight games together dating back to their Fresno State days 🔥🔥🔥
(🎥: @NFL) | #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/M071K5Ns0m
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) September 25, 2022
It’s evident throughout Adams’ career that he can and will make a jaw-dropping play if the opportunity presents itself. Unfortunately, he and quarterback Derek Carr have been out of sync more times than not, and most recently, ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky brought to light some of the dysfunctionality between the two. This week, the veteran pair have a unique opportunity to rectify the situation against one young star looking to make a name for himself on the Broncos defense.
Matchup to watch: Patrick Surtain II vs. Davante Adams
While Davante is an elite talent, many could make the same statement about the Denver Broncos’ second-year cornerback, Patrick Surtain II. Surtain II has come onto the NFL scene in a big way this season, and it showed in last week’s victory against the San Francisco 49ers.
Patrick Surtain did not allow a reception on 6 targets, tied for the most targets without a reception allowed in a game since 2021.
Surtain has allowed the 4th-lowest passer rating (59.8) in the NFL since being drafted in 2021 (min. 70 targets).#SFvsDEN | Powered by @awscloud pic.twitter.com/PWCHAdJaRQ
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) September 26, 2022
In addition, his teammates are looking forward to the showdown between him and the Raiders’ star wideout:
“It’s going to be very exciting,” Jerry Jeudy said Thursday. That’s a matchup I’m interested to watch because Davante Adams is a great receiver [and] Pat’s a great DB. … Greatness going against each other’s always going to be exciting. I’m excited to see that. I know, me, I watch Davante Adams highlights a lot. So watching that … and me going against Pat and knowing how difficult it is to win on Pat consistently, it’s going to be a fun matchup.” ~ Denver Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy in the team’s 09/29/22 press conference
Not only is Jerry Jeudy excited, but the second-year standout from the Alabama Crimson Tide has great respect for his opponent on Sunday:
“He’s seen the ins and outs of the league. He’s very experienced at what he does. He perfects his craft. As years go on, he gets better each and every year. I just think that he’s just a technician at what he does. That’s the best thing he does.” ~ Denver Broncos CB Pat Surtain II in the team’s 09/29/22 press conference
Under first-year coach Nathaniel Hackett, the Broncos are more than ready for the task. The more avenues the Raiders attack/utilize Davante Adams-the better. The winning side of this matchup will likely be the victor when the final whistle blows on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium.
