So, when it pertains to Jakobi Meyers, it’s no Jimmy Garoppolo, no party for the Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver. With Aidan O’Connell, the 26-year-old had little impact in the Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Nonetheless, with “Jimmy G” back under center against the Green Bay Packers, Meyers’ production returned to what many would expect from the Raiders’ No. 2 target. So, it was a good week for the North Carolina State product heading into Week 5.
Let’s dive into the weekly update on Meyers. The wide receiver shows that Las Vegas made the correct decision to sign him this offseason.
Jakobi Meyers returns to normal 2023 production
After only having two receptions and 33 receiving yards in Week 4, Meyers’ production received a boost with the return of Garoppolo from concussion. While Raiders fans have their opinions on the veteran, he gets the most out of Meyers so far.
In the 17-13 win over the Packers, Meyers had seven receptions on 10 targets for 75 receiving yards and one touchdown. Furthermore, the production by Meyers helped Las Vegas get a much-needed win to save their 2023 season.
The question with the Raiders wide receiver is whether Meyers is ready for that breakout game. Las Vegas will play against the New England Patriots. Although Bill Belichick and Co. are 1-4, it’s not because of their defense.
New England’s pass defense has only given up 952 passing yards through five games, ranking them seventh in the NFL. So, it will be challenging for the Silver and Black’s air attack. Nonetheless, Meyers’ motivation to hurt his former team could outweigh any stats.
Is Jakobi Meyers ready to make the Patriots pay?
Usually, when a player leaves via free agency or trade, they have an axe to grind the next time they face their former team. Furthermore, with information that came out this week of the Patriots’ decision not to keep Meyers, there will be extra motivation.
Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald reported on Saturday that it wasn’t close regarding New England’s decision to keep Meyers. The Patriots weren’t all that interested in holding onto the now Raiders wide receiver.
Furthermore, Callahan’s report reveals that Meyers told teammates and staffers regarding the Patriots only days before signing with Las Vegas: “They don’t want me.”
According to Callahan, the Patriots were split on keeping Meyers. Eventually, Belichick was persuaded by others that free-agent receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster had more valuable skills in gaining yards after the catch. However, the decision hasn’t looked like a smart one.
Meyers has 25 catches for 274 yards and three touchdowns in four games this season. Meanwhile, Smith-Schuster has 14 catches for 86 yards and zero touchdowns in five games with the Patriots.
So what do you think, Raiders fans? Is Meyers already a steal for Las Vegas, or do you need more time to form an opinion? Let us know.
*Top Photo: AP Photo/Jack Dempsey