After a drama-filled week, the Las Vegas Raiders did not skip a beat on Sunday. The San Francisco 49ers came to town. Many pundits presumed they would roll over Jarrett Stidham in his first career start. However, the Silver and Black’s newest starter had other ideas in mind.
The former Auburn Tiger came out firing, marching the Raiders offense down the field on the game’s opening drive.
However, Stidham was just getting started. He then made an astounding touchdown connection with 2022 Pro Bowl wide receiver – Davante Adams. The two would connect for a score once more on the afternoon in what was the best performance by a Raiders quarterback all season.
What a way to start the new year 🎇@Jarrett_Stidham âž¡ï¸ @Rackkwall83 for the TD!
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) January 1, 2023
📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/MybdOq4Fhv
Jarrett Stidham Joins Elite Company
The Raiders’ 34-point performance against the Niners marked their third-highest offensive point total on the season. Going into the contest, only one other NFL quarterback was able to generate three touchdown passes against the 49ers’ defense.
Jarrett Stidham has 280 combined yards rushing and passing, and 3 TDs. Here are the other #Raiders to do that in 1st 3 quarters of a game since 1991: pic.twitter.com/M0HPQSZp3L
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) January 1, 2023
The first-time NFL starter now joins Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes in the rare feat. In addition, the former New England Patriot hit another impressive milestone in his first career start. While his stats on Sunday were impressive, the team was unable to secure the most important one.
The Raiders Lost but Stidham is Proving His Worth
Head coach Josh McDaniels has an elaborate offensive system, and it is evident that his new starter is comfortable with it. While one impressive contest does not make Jarrett Stidham the Raiders’ future savior under center, it does make things this offseason interesting.
With Derek Carr and the Raiders on the verge of separation, Carr’s departure will free a moderate amount of salary cap.
Moving on from Derek Carr
— Spotrac (@spotrac) December 28, 2022
Pre 2/15 Release#Raiders take on $5.625M of dead cap, clearing $29.25M.
TRADE
Raiders take on $5.625M of dead cap clearing $29.25M.
New team acquires:
2023: $33M (GTD)
2024: $42M ($7.5M GTD)
2025: $41.3Mhttps://t.co/SZCSJUTLe9
As the season has gone on, it has become clear that the Silver and Black have a lot of roster needs to fill.
Moreover, if general manager Dave Ziegler can redistribute the money freed up by Carr’s contract to address other areas on the team, there is a scenario where Stidham could be the 2023 starter. After all, the reality is that no quarterback is going to come in and learn McDaniels’ system on the fly except for the legendary Tom Brady.
What if the Raiders lose Davante Adams?
*Top Photo: Getty Images Pool