It’s been a while, Raider Nation. However, here’s our latest edition of Raiders notes. In what’s been quite the polarizing offseason for the Silver and Black, the Las Vegas Raiders caused even more stir earlier Tuesday. On top of that, Pro Football Focus also recently made an observation that’s actually worth discussing. All of that while some movement with regard to the coaching staff, which according to some could help Hunter Renfrow return to his 2021 Pro Bowl form,
The “Patriots West” theory is in full effect…
The recurring theme surrounding what will be the 2023 Raiders is that team brass is filling the rosters with former New England Patriots. While no one’s upset about acquiring stud wideout Jakobi Meyers, some of the additions made by general manager Dave Ziegler are dubious at best, at least from the fans’ perspective. Of course, many point to Josh McDaniels’ previous attempt at being an NFL head coach as proof that this current regime is repeating history. However, people need to remember that filling a roster with your former players isn’t anything new for coaches. The reason why many appear to be disillusioned with this roster teardown is the 2021 playoff appearance. Still, last year proved that sustained success wasn’t realistic; terrible drafting at the top hindered that.
Brian Hoyer receiving a multi-year deal from the Raiders is very telling. QB2 is officially in the building.
— RaiderRamble.com™ (@TheRaiderRamble) April 4, 2023
One position that has been completely revamped is quarterback. Regardless of how you felt about Derek Carr, he’s gone. In his stead, Ziegler and McDaniels looked to an old friend in Jimmy Garoppolo. Still, that wasn’t enough. With Jarrett Stidham now in Denver, the Raiders brought in another former Patriot in Brian Hoyer to be QB2. Shocking? Nope, not in the least, especially if you’ve been paying attention. The question is whether the Raiders are now “done” at quarterback. Needless to say, some fans will be hard-pressed to feel inspired if the depth chart at training camp reads Garoppolo, Hoyer, and Chase Garbers.
Depending on who you believe on the ground, at least one Raiders beat writer doesn’t believe the QB room is set.
What’s the future hold for Hunter Renfrow? Maybe his new coach can help…
After much ado about Hunter Renfrow potentially flourishing under McDaniels, No. 13 struggled mightily in Year 1. There were some concussion concerns and ball control issues last year, but it appears that this regime isn’t giving up on him just yet. Along with bringing in Hoyer, the Raiders have hired Danny Amendola as an assistant coach. He’ll be handling duties that include coaching the returners and will also help out Edgar Bennett, who coaches the receiver’s group.
On the surface, Raiders fans drew a collective sigh with Amendola coming in. If you actually take a step back and look at the move, it makes sense. Amendola had respectable success under McDaniels if you look back. He averaged 10.4 yards per reception and totaled 600-plus receiving yards in three of his five years as a Patriot. Considering Amendola’s experience in the Raiders’ offense and his familiarity with what the coaching staff is trying to accomplish, the hire is anything but a bad move. Again, it’s about getting as much help as possible to instill McDaniels’ system. Like it or not, it’s here to stay, folks.
With defenses having to deal with Meyers and Davante Adams, maybe Renfrow can finally get things going. For years, Renfrow provided Carr with a reliable and clutch target; there’s no reason he can’t do the same for Garoppolo.
Raiders Notes: Addition by subtraction?
Not to harp on Garoppolo, but it’s interesting that PFF’s Amelia Probst named him the Raiders’ “biggest gain” of the offseason while Carr was equally their “biggest loss.”
“With a new quarterback in Jimmy Garoppolo and a new receiver in Jakobi Meyers, will the Raiders be able to put together an above-average offense? Looking at the graphic below, Garoppolo had a lower turnover-worthy play rate than Carr and was similar in big-time throw rate.”
We don’t know how well Garoppolo will do in 2023; no one does. Even the most objectionable observer only has a small sample on which to base his previous success under McDaniels. Still, Garoppolo’s knowledge of the system is going to be pivotal in Year 2 of the McDaniels show. Let’s face it: McDaniels won’t have any excuses this upcoming season. He has “his” guys at key positions such as quarterback and wide receiver; what more does he need? Another double-digit loss total will hardly be considered encouraging.
*Top Photo: Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
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