Despite a slow start to his rookie campaign, Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer has begun to emerge as a valued weapon. In fact, star wideout Davante Adams understands the value of the Notre Dame product—the offense needs to keep feeding him as far as he’s concerned.
Davante Adams wants the Raiders to keep going to Michael Mayer…
It’s interesting when you look at the big picture with regard to the Raiders offense. Josh McDaniels was heralded as an offensive guru, and yet his scheme and philosophy never took off this season. In fact, the offense grossly regressed. Following McDaniels’ exit, things have opened up under interim offensive coordinator Bo Hardegree. The offense isn’t perfect, but there’ve been glimpses of explosiveness.
Davante Adams, for example, broke out for a 46-yard touchdown reception thrown by another rookie, quarterback Aidan O’Connell. It was a quick reminder for folks: yeah, he’s still “him.” That play comes off the heels of Tre Tucker’s 50-yard reception the week prior, which led to a Josh Jacobs touchdown. As far as Michael Mayer’s concerned, his 32-yarder from earlier in the season is the third longest play of the year for the Raiders. Something’s happening in Sin City, folks.
No. 17 is fully cognizant of Mayer’s growth and development; despite being a rookie, he’s quickly becoming a go-to target.
“He’s been a big part of our offense, especially over the past few weeks. So, we’ve just got to keep feeding him, and he’s got to keep doing what he’s doing. But it’s very promising from what I’ve seen from him. He asks a lot of questions, and you can tell he’s very detailed, and that’s what you have to have in this offense.”
The numbers certainly don’t lie. Mayer has double-digit targets (10) over the past two weeks while coming down with seven receptions. Who can forget his first career touchdown against the New York Jets two weeks ago as well.
Who does Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer think his NFL comparison is?
Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce. #NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/7cQg3lVx4l
— Jack McKessy (@jfmckessy) March 3, 2023
If the Raiders plan on breaking out for more points against the Kansas City Chiefs this weekend, get No. 87 involved early and often. Interestingly enough, Mayer will come head-to-head with the other tight end he once compared himself to, Travis Kelce.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
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