It’s a shame that it took ten losses for the Las Vegas Raiders to finally give their second-round pick more looks this past Sunday. Despite earning their 11th defeat, Jack Bech finally showed promise for the future.
Raider Nation anxiously awaited to see what Bech could bring to the table this season. The TCU standout had overcome personal tragedy and appeared poised to come in and become a promising target for Geno Smith. Well, that didn’t quite pan out.
Other than a performance against the Indianapolis Colts, where Bech saw five total targets, No. 18 floundered in Chip Kelly’s offense. In fact, he’s had four matchups where he didn’t even see a single ball thrown his way. Following Kelly’s exit from the Raiders, coupled with double-digit losses on their record, you figured it was time Bech got some serious playing time. Head coach Pete Carroll couldn’t sell us on “competing” much longer.
The Raiders are finally taking off the training wheels…
With Greg Olson taking the reins over for Kelly these past couple of weeks, Bech’s usage has shown why he might end up being worth his second round selection. Logging 34 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus, Bech ended up leading the team with six catches and 50 yards. Even more encouraging is that Bech has successfully converted ten of his catches for first downs. That’s according to Pro Football Reference. It’s a strong indicator he’ll be one to move the chains, perhaps a reincarnation of “Third and Renfrow.”
No one can argue that this season was a disappointment of epic proportions. Raiders fans were sold on the notion that this team would be “competitive” with a win-now mentality. Carroll and Smith teaming up was supposed to rekindle some of their Seattle magic. Instead, Raider Nation is witnessing a team that is on par with the infamous Art Shell 2.0 squad. Or as some of you fondly recall as the Bed & Breakfast season.
With all of that being said, there are still promising rookies on this team. Bech, Ashton Jeanty, and Dont’e Thornton have all shown flashes, so at this point, you’ve got to build for the future.
*Top Photo: The Sporting Tribune