Why Josh McDaniels and the Raiders should be thankful for Davante Adams
Nov 23, 2022, 3:11 PM | Updated: 3:11 pm
DENVER, COLORADO - NOVEMBER 20: Davante Adams #17 of the Las Vegas Raiders defends a tipped pass to prevent an interception by Damarri Mathis #27 of the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter at Empower Field At Mile High on November 20, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
(Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
There aren’t a lot of things the Las Vegas Raiders can be thankful for this year. At 3-7, the team is not where many placed them to be before the season began. But, there is one piece that the coach and team should be thankful for, new wide receiver Davante Adams.
Adams joined the team in the offseason via trade with the Green Bay Packers. And since reconnecting with his college quarterback, Derek Carr, Davante Adams has been at the top of the NFL’s leaderboard for pass catchers. Through 11 Weeks, Adams has 112 targets (first in the league), 10 touchdowns (second in the league), 925 receiving yards (fourth in the league), and 64 receptions (eighth in the league).
Coach Josh McDaniels, who has worked with players like Randy Moss and Troy Brown, said Adams is a unique player.
“I think the thing that makes Davante very special is just up here (mentally), he can think, process, understand the way he’s being covered, the way people are playing him, leverage, route technique, setting up his routes, doing a lot of different things that allow him to get open and be special,” McDaniels said. “I think sometimes when young players come into the league, they think it’s all skill and talent. And that’s part of the equation, there’s no question. But I think the other part that he’s really mastered is his ability to set people up. He’s got great savvy and instincts, great awareness.”
141 yards.
2 Touchdowns.
1 Game-Winner.Every @tae15adams' catch from the Week 11 W ▶️ (via @nfl) pic.twitter.com/D1tyfHscyk
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) November 21, 2022
Stopping short of saying he’s the whole package, the coach went on to compliment his receiver’s speed, quickness and “incredible hands.”
“He can play the game within the game, which really just takes you to a whole new level,” McDaniels said.”
