Can Gardner Minshew keep star WR Davante Adams happy with the Raiders? Minshew has stepped into the starting quarterback role after a competitive training camp against Aidan O’Connell, but he finds himself under scrutiny. The pressure is on him to maintain Adams’ satisfaction while navigating the complexities of the Raiders’ offense.
Currently, Minshew is tied for second in the NFL with 533 passing yards and boasts an impressive completion percentage of 77.5%. He aims to keep his game straightforward by frequently targeting standout players like Davante Adams and rookie tight end Brock Bowers, ensuring they receive ample opportunities to shine.
Adams showcased his skills last week against the Ravens, recording nine receptions for 110 yards, with a significant portion of his contributions occurring in the fourth quarter. His performance was instrumental in the Raiders’ comeback from a 10-point deficit, including four catches for 86 yards in the final moments, along with a key pass interference penalty that set up the game-tying score. This victory marked a notable shift, breaking a 49-game losing streak when trailing by ten or more points in the fourth quarter.
Throughout the offseason, rumors swirled about Adams potentially seeking a trade due to the team’s struggles and uncertainty at the quarterback position. However, in July, his representatives dismissed these claims as unfounded, expressing confidence that he would remain with the Raiders through 2024.
Adams himself echoed this sentiment just before the season began, stating, “In terms of me being upset or not being happy in this organization, it’s just a bunch of BS meant to throw everybody off and get clickbait. If I was pissed off, I wouldn’t be here right now.”
As the Raiders undergo a rebuilding phase, questions arise about whether head coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco will consider trading Adams before the November 5 deadline. His talents could be a game-changer for a contending team, such as the New York Jets, who could reunite him with former teammate Aaron Rodgers, or the surprising Pittsburgh Steelers, the Green Bay Packers, or the Buffalo Bills.
Given that the Raiders are compensating Adams among the top receivers in the league, they must maximize his potential on the field or explore trade options that would benefit both parties. Since joining the team in 2022, Adams has recorded 11 games with over 100 receiving yards and a touchdown, ranking second in the league. His 23 receiving touchdowns with the Raiders lead all players.
Minshew shared his thoughts on Adams, stating, “It was awesome. He grabbed me and just said, ‘Hey, we got your back, dude. We need that Washington State Gardner. We need that.’ And I was like, ‘Man, you’re right, dude. Let me see if I can go whip that up real quick.'” This motivation seems to have paid off; in the second half of the game, Minshew completed 16 of 22 passes for 212 yards and a touchdown, achieving a passer rating of 118.
As the season progresses, Pierce’s strategy appears to focus on a strong defensive foundation paired with a balanced offensive approach. Under his leadership, the defense has allowed just 17.2 points per game since he took over as head coach in Week 9 last season, ranking second in the NFL, with even stronger performances at home.
For Minshew, quick decision-making is essential. According to Next Gen Stats, he has completed 28 of 30 passes for 164 yards and a touchdown without any interceptions when releasing the ball in 2.5 seconds or less. This emphasizes the need for him to trust his instincts and capitalize on opportunities, especially when Adams is in one-on-one coverage.
“Just throw him the ball when he’s one-on-one,” Minshew advised. “That dude makes you right. And even a couple of times getting pass interferences, those are huge plays for our offense. So, being able to give him opportunities for him to get his hands on the ball is going to be huge for us.”
The Raiders have also discovered a promising partner for Adams in Bowers, who has set records with 15 receptions for 156 yards in his first two career games as a rookie tight end. Together, Adams and Bowers form a dynamic duo that could be the cornerstone of the Raiders’ offensive strategy moving forward.
Ultimately, it rests on Minshew to harness this potential while Adams remains a key component of the Raiders’ roster.
