Marcus Peters is the latest addition to the Las Vegas Raiders’ secondary after the veteran signed a one-year contract. Peters will lead an inexperienced group that has to stop some of the best quarterbacks this season. As a result, head coach Josh McDaniels is more than happy to have the veteran.
While Peters is a welcome addition to the Silver and Black, it might not help their playoff odds. The experts and oddsmakers see the Raiders having a challenging 2023 NFL season, which doesn’t sit well with “Up & Adams” host Kay Adams. There’s a lot of news surrounding Las Vegas, so let’s examine the latest.
Josh McDaniels “Excited” to have Marcus Peters in Silver and Black
The Raiders’ secondary is an area of concern for experts heading into this season, and it’s for a good reason. Las Vegas is in the AFC West with quarterbacks like Russell Wilson, Justin Herbert, and Patrick Mahomes. There’s also Aaron Rodgers and Josh Allen on the schedule, so it’s safe to say having good corners is a must.
Before Peters’ signing, David Long Jr. and Duke Shelley were scheduled to start, but now the veteran could slide into a starting role. Nonetheless, McDaniels is excited to see Peters guiding the unit and bringing his expertise.
“It’s an exciting opportunity, and Marcus has been a very decorated player for the entirety of his career for the teams that he’s played for. He’s always been a guy that – I’ve coached against him a number of times, and when you’re playing against him, you always know where he’s at, because there’s a chance you might not want to throw at him.
We had multiple opportunities to sit down and talk with him, very bright, understands the game, really a mature, intelligent guy in terms of defensive structure, coverages, reading route patterns, etc. Very impressed with that, and he wants to be a Raider. So it was exciting for us to be able to make that happen, and I’m excited to put him in with our group, and I know he’s eager to get to work.”
Marcus Peters will look to prove he can still play
The 30-year-old is a low-risk, high-reward signing to address a position of need in Las Vegas. The Oakland native is coming into the squad with the right mindset, which could boost the confidence of the secondary. Many of these players will be tested this season, so it’s ideal to have Peters as that mentor.
Still, the three-time Pro Bowler has a lot left in the tank, having played 13 games last season for the Baltimore Ravens. Peters registered one interception and six passes defended, not the best numbers in his career. However, this might motivate him to prove last season was a fluke.
Speaking of motivation, the Raiders don’t have a lack of detractors these days; even the bookies are betting against them.
Kay Adams believes oddsmakers are disrespecting the Raiders
Someone in the NFL media is sticking up for Las Vegas, and it’s Adams. Many experts and oddsmakers don’t predict a good 2023 season for the Silver and Black and Adams isn’t buying that slander.
The “Up & Adams” host believes many are short-selling the Raiders squad. Additionally, Adams notes that Las Vegas has plenty of talent to clinch a playoff spot, and she’s not wrong. If Josh Jacobs returns, McDaniels has the current NFL rushing champion.
Meanwhile, in the passing game, the Raiders head coach has his guy in Jimmy Garoppolo. The two-time Super Bowl champion will have targets such as Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers. Then on defense, Maxx Crosby will be causing havoc and players like Chandler Jones should be playing with a chip on their shoulders to prove 2022 was a fluke season.
“Assuming the Raiders have Jacobs, Devontae Adams, and a healthy Jimmy G in the fold, I think they’re getting a little disrespected right now,” Adams said. “But if I’m a Raiders fan, get pissed off. Look at these odds at FanDuel sportsbook [+520 to make the playoffs]. The Raiders are the third biggest long shot to make the playoffs in the entire league. What? Are you kidding me?”
“This roster is loaded with talent, guys, so I’m not ready to give up on the Raiders. And if I’m the Raiders, get mad at the disrespect the oddsmakers and pundits are whopping on you.”
If the Raiders need bulletin board material to play well this season, there’s plenty to choose from. Should Las Vegas become a surprise team, it won’t be a shocker for the players to quote what many say about where they see this team finishing.
*Top Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images