All eyes will be on the Las Vegas Raiders‘ offense this season heading into Year 2 under head coach Josh McDaniels. The spotlight is possibly no brighter than on superstar wideout Davante Adams—especially given the current quarterback conundrum. Speaking of which, assuming he’ll be healthy, is Jimmy Garoppolo headed for a breakout year? Both Pro Football Focus and NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks had plenty to say about both.
Adams has been at the center of most of this offseason’s conjecture. Whether it was surrounding Derek Carr’s release, Aaron Rodgers rumors, or reports that he wasn’t happy about the team’s direction, Adams was at the forefront. However, most of it just turned out to be just fodder; Adams is all in. That being said, Trevor Sikkema of PFF listed Adams in a trio for the Raiders when highlighting one for each AFC West squad. Joining Adams is the NFL’s best running back from last year, Josh Jacobs along with Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby.
Davante Adams forms part of a special group—but what about the quarterback position?
The Raiders have no shortage of talent at several key positions: wide receiver, running back, and edge rushers. Adams, for his part, experienced no drop-off after joining the Silver and Black. In fact, he flourished, and by doing so, he dispelled the notion that he was a product of being Rodgers’ teammate. Nonetheless, it appears Adams will need to prove that yet again this season.
Without question, Adams is one of the best three players on the Raiders, but the quarterback position is, well, in trouble. At least at the moment, but don’t fret, it’s June.
“Make-or-break” for Raiders QB Jimmy Garoppolo?
OTAs are underway, and with reports that rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell is impressing in camp combined with the news surrounding Garoppolo, things are far from settled. Don’t forget, a McDaniels’ disciple in Brian Hoyer is also in play; whether all of this sits well with Adams is anyone’s guess. Of course, No. 17 will say the right things in front of the press, but a rookie, a journeyman, and an oft-injured 4-2 career playoff winner—is that what he envisioned from this team?
Regardless, assuming “Jimmy G” is ready to go in Week 1, NFL analyst Bucky Brooks ranks Garoppolo second overall behind Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions as a quarterback who needs to “make it” this season.
“But whatever one might say about Jimmy G’s shortcomings, the veteran wins whenever he steps onto the field, as evidenced by his 40-17 career record as a starter. Joining a Raiders squad directed by his former Patriots offensive coordinator (Josh McDaniels), Garoppolo should flourish in a system that features a collection of plays that suit his skills as a quick-rhythm passer. With Davante Adams, Hunter Renfrow, and Jakobi Meyers forming a formidable trio on the perimeter, the Raiders could pick apart opponents behind Garoppolo’s efficient play from the pocket.”
Garoppolo will have no shortage of weapons if he can get on the field. Let’s not forget that the possibility exists that Garoppolo might never play for the Raiders. This, of course, comes after details surrounding his contract surfaced. Basically, the Raiders can cut bait if Garoppolo doesn’t heal in time. Everything is in Garoppolo’s corner this season—system and coaching familiarity, talented teammates—and the fact is, he knows how to win, plain and simple.
This could be Garoppolo’s last chance to be a part of something special, at least on offense.
*Top Photo: AP Photo/John Locher
