The opening half of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars featured an explosive receiving game for the Las Vegas Raiders. With 259 receiving yards and two touchdowns, the Raiders had a successful day, at least for one half it was. The receiving output was then harmed by coach Josh McDaniels’ play-calling and Derek Carr’s passiveness. Let’s analyze Davante Adams’ performance and those of the other receivers.
Davante Adams was unstoppable in the first halfÂ
Adams was a beast in the first half, so I believe McDaniels heard me when I said he would be necessary for the Raiders offense to get back on track during my offensive X-factors piece. Even when he was in double coverage, Adams was constantly doing whatever he wished to the Jaguars secondary. Adams had a fantastic day, regaining his terminator status. No. 17 finished the game with 146 yards on nine receptions and two touchdowns. His nine receptions were the most in a half, and his 146 yards were the second highest in a half.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, as the phrase goes, right? In the second half, McDaniels went away from Adams, as he only caught one ball for no gain. Although the terminator played well in the first half, the offense didn’t do him any favors, and he was unable to complete his historic start.
How did the others fare?
Four other Raiders players had two or more catches. Hunter Renfrow had 26 yards on three receptions, Josh Jacobs had 20 yards on three receptions, Mack Hollins had 17 yards on two receptions, Foster Moreau had 46 yards on two grabs, and Mack Hollins had 26 yards on three receptions. Ameer Abdullah contributed eight yards with one catch as well. Their combined 113 yards weren’t sufficient to give the Raiders the victory.
Although it appears that many players were involved, Moreau was the only one to average more than 10 yards per reception. The others had volume but were ineffective. You can’t really blame them because they don’t throw the ball themselves. However, if the Raiders want to return to winning, they will have to step up their play to complement Adams.
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*Top Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images