The Netflix series “Receivers” gives fans a glimpse into the stresses of being a star receiver in the NFL, including dealing with poor play from the quarterback.
In one episode, Las Vegas Raiders star Davante Adams speaks candidly about the team’s decision to bench starter Jimmy Garoppolo in Week 9 and use rookie Aidan O’Connell.
Adams even suggests that the move was something he had to make to stay in Las Vegas.
“I agreed with that,” Adams said. The story was first reported by Sporting News.
“That’s the reality. I love Jimmy and he’s a great guy, but to be honest with you, something had to happen for us to have one last chance and for me to stay with the Raiders.”
Garoppolo signed a three-year, $72 million contract with Las Vegas during the 2023 offseason and appeared in seven games, starting six total, before taking over as a fourth-round draft pick for the remainder of the season.
The Raiders went 3-3 during Garoppolo’s time as the starter, and Garoppolo’s performance as a quarterback was below average.
The 32-year-old finished the shortened season with a Pro Football Focus passing grade of 65.0, ranking 28th among quarterbacks with at least 190 dropbacks during the 2023 season.
In March, Las Vegas waived Garoppolo, who is suspended for two games into 2024, allowing him to sign a one-year contract to serve as Matthew Stafford’s backup with the Rams.
Despite the quarterback issues, Adams’ performance wasn’t hindered too much.
The 31-year-old finished last season with 103 catches for 1,114 yards and eight touchdowns, all of which were at least top-15 in the league last season.
Though O’Connell didn’t perform as well (finishing the season with a 65.9 overall and 64.6 PFF passing grade), the Raiders found their footing under interim head coach Antonio Pierce, finishing with a 5-4 record down the stretch.
Las Vegas has had some impressive wins under its new coach, including a win over Kansas City in Week 16 and the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15.
Not only that, Pierce’s Raiders were much more competitive in games and showed signs of life in year-end losses to the Dolphins, Vikings and Colts.
Even after naming Pierce as the franchise’s next full-time head coach, there are still big questions under center, with O’Connell and veteran backup Gardner Minshew vying for the QB1 position.
Former Packers teammate Aaron Rodgers is keen to play with Adams again, but it looks like the receiver will remain in the silver and black for the time being.
