Davante Adams unhappy with role; coach supports it
By Jared Smola |
Updated on Thu, 19 Oct 2023, 9:11 AM EDT
Raiders WR Davante Adams says it's not enough that the team has won its past two games. He's not happy to have only seen 9 targets over that span, with 6 receptions for 74 yards and no TDs. "When you're a player like me, mentally, my benchmark is not wins and losses -- it's greatness," he said Wednesday, according to ESPN's Paul Gutierrez. "So when I go out there, I expect to be able to have that ability to put that on tape and have an influence on the game. ... It's not about me, but I'm one of the bigger pieces as to why this offense is going to go. And if I'm not getting it, then that's obviously not according to plan." A high-level WR expressing displeasure with a lack of targets is not new. It's worth noting here, though, because we've wondered whether Adams' right-shoulder injury was to blame for his two-game downturn. Doesn't sound like it. And HC Josh McDaniels apparently has no problem with Adams' complaint. "Honestly, great players wouldn't be great if they didn't want to try to help the team win in every way they can," McDaniels said. "Our job is to make sure our best players have an opportunity to impact the game, and they can only do what they can do." The Raiders are trending toward starting a backup QB this Sunday against the Bears. Whether that's Brian Hoyer or rookie Aidan O'Connell, it's a downgrade from Jimmy Garoppolo. That hurts the WRs to some degree. But don't be surprised if Adams gets some extra attention in this week's game plan. Keep him in your lineup.