Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams faces another promising young cornerback this week in Seattle Seahawks standout Tariq Woolen. Can the rookie fare any better than the last few defenders?
It might seem like a silly question at first, but just look at the numbers. Adams has literally been cooking NFL cornerbacks all season long, despite the Raiders’ dismal record. Last week, Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II, recognized as one of the league’s best, was unable to slow down No. 17. In fact, since the embarrassing loss to the New Orleans Saints, Adams has scored five touchdowns on his own. On top of that, you can add 413 receiving yards along with receptions that went for at least 35 yards or more in each of those three games.
Louis Riddick of ESPN has called the Adams and Woolen one-on-one matchup the “best” of the day. But is it?
Tariq Woolen vs DaVante Adams is the best 1 on 1 matchup of the day.
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) November 27, 2022
Is Tariq Woolen about to slow down Davante Adams?
To his credit, Woolen is having an impressive rookie season. According to Pro Football Focus, Woolen has five interceptions so far this year. He’s also credited with three pass breakups, 26 receptions given up, and four touchdowns on the year. Although he has strong numbers across the board, his coverage grades are far from perfect, according to the publication. Last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Woolen received a 50.4 grade in that department.
Everyone in the stadium is going to know that Derek Carr is looking at Adams. In that same aforementioned three-game stretch, Adams was targeted 44 times. Sooner or later, Raiders fans are expecting Adams to break out for a long, highlight reel-worthy catch, but is it going to happen on Woolen’s watch?
Adams is fully cognizant of the challenge Woolen presents, especially in terms of his physical attributes.
“He looks good on tape. He’s a big, much taller corner than what’s normal in the league. I’ve got respect for what I’ve seen on tape so far, for sure,” said Adams earlier this week. However, Adams is simply on another level, and while the rookie has been remarkable, No. 17 is going to test him like no other.
*Top Photo: Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images