Have the Las Vegas Raiders found their No. 2 wide receiver to be Davante Adams’ running mate this 2023 season? After one game, Jakobi Meyers could emerge as the alternative candidate to Adams. If the opposition wants to zone in on the 30-year-old, then Meyers is ready to make them pay.
The former Patriot signed a three-year, $33 million contract with the Silver and Black this offseason to provide Las Vegas with another receiving option. After Hunter Renfrow had a less-than-stellar 2022 season, the Raiders likely wanted security behind Adams.
Every week, there will be an update on how Meyers fits into the squad and any critical notes Raiders fans should be aware of regarding the team’s newest weapon. So, without any further delay, let’s get into this analysis.
Is Jakobi Meyers becoming Jimmy Garoppolo’s favorite target for the Raiders?
Overreactions are typical after every week in the NFL. But this is a good one, so it’s no big deal, right? Despite Adams on the field, Meyers was the star for the Raiders in their 17-16 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High.
Meyers had the most targets of any Raiders wide receiver (10), which led to an impressive nine receptions for 81 yards and two touchdowns. The North Carolina State product had more receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns than his 2022 All-Pro counterpart. Hence, the Garoppolo-Meyers connection lifted the Silver and Black to the victory circle, accounting for 12 of the 17 points.
The first trip to the end zone for the talented wideout was to open the contest via a 3-yard pass from Jimmy Garoppolo. Additionally, the veteran quarterback went to the 26-year-old pass catcher in a clutch situation. It was Meyers — not Adams — who secured the go-ahead touchdown from “Jimmy G” on Sunday afternoon.
Jakobi Meyers’ spectacular Week 1 performance ends with unfortunate incident
Meyers being the standout for the Raiders in Week 1 would be the No. 1 topic surrounding the team. However, the talking point has shifted to when the receiver will see the field next. Meyers was hit in the head by an elbow from Broncos safety Kareem Jackson as the player slipped on the wet grass in the Raiders’ game-sealing drive.
The Raiders ran out the clock thanks to a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty called on the safety. Jackson provided reporters a comment postgame, noting that the hit was not intentional and an unfortunate incident.
“I just want to say I hope he’s all right,” Jackson said (h/t Broncos Wire). “Obviously, we don’t play this game to hurt guys. It’s a tough sport we play. Unfortunately, stuff like that happens. Definitely sending my thoughts and prayers to him.”
Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels announced on Monday that Meyers is in the NFL’s concussion protocol. While his status is uncertain for Week 2, the positive sign is that Meyers walked around and talked with teammates after the game in the locker room. The first-year Raider stayed on the ground briefly after the hit but walked off with the help of trainers.
The question now is, will Meyers be healthy for the upcoming contest vs. the Buffalo Bills on Sunday at Highmark Stadium? Las Vegas could take the cautious approach and allow the receiver a week off. We will continue to monitor the situation as the week progresses.
So what do you think, Raiders fans? How did you view Meyers’ Week 1 performance, and will the offense feel his absence should he miss the Bills game? Let us know.
*Top Photo: Ron Chenoy/USA TODAY Sports
