Davante Adams has had a terrific debut season as the Raiders’ primary wide receiver. Adams, 29, still looks like the five-time Packers Pro Bowler in 2022, with 26 catches on 47 targets for 290 yards and three touchdowns in four games.
Following a blockbuster offseason deal, he traded his long-standing friendship with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay for a reunion with former Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr in Las Vegas.
Adams told Sporting News that adjusting to a new team has been easy, but it can grow easier as Adams and Carr get used to a sophisticated Josh McDaniels offense that is new to both of them.
“It’s kind of like riding a bike. but starting off in practice, we’re not game-planning,” Adams said. “The defenses are game-planning for me, so If I get one-on-one opportunities, it’s obviously going to be a lot easier to put points on the board and move the ball and pick up where he left off.
Knowing Carr is attempting to re-establish his connection with Adams quickly, defenders have focused on taking him away early with double-teams and zone coverage; they have also given excellent tight end Darren Waller the same treatment at times.
With the Raiders 1-4, the presence of ace slot receiver Hunter Renfrow and his established chemistry with Carr has been critical in creating more favorable coverage looks for Adams. They had missed that the last two weeks due to Renfrow’s concussion received at the end of the Cardinals’ overtime loss in Week 2.
“He’s obviously a critical part of this offense and this team and we’re looking forward to that,” Adams said. “But we have that next-man-up mentality. Everybody’s got to do their job.”
In Week 4, the Raiders defeated the Broncos 32-23 at home, thanks to a strong running game led by Josh Jacobs. This came after disappointing losses to the Chargers (24-19), Cardinals (29-23), and Titans (24-22).
Adams understands that the Raiders anticipate a breakthrough based on such close results.
“We haven’t had the start to the season we should have, based on the roster that we have. We’ll use our first win to build momentum and get better moving forward,” Adams told SN. “We’ve lost three games by a total of 13 points. It’s not like we were getting our ass kicked every week. We weren’t playing our best ball. We had opportunities to win every single one of those games.”
The Raiders frequently settled for field goals, which is why they fell short on the scoreboard. Daniel Carlson has been terrific, going 12-for-12, but keep in mind that 10 of those conversions have come on attempts of less than 40 yards.
“If we can put the ball in the end zone a couple more times when we get down there in the red zone, it’s not like we can’t be efficient as an offense,” Adams said. “We’re trying to score as much as the opportunities that are given.”
Adams spoke with Sporting News on behalf of Tide Hygenic Clean, which helps dispel the idea that “lucky” jerseys can be washed and yet retain all of their luck. He also discussed some of his pregame rituals from his time in Green Bay and Las Vegas.
“I don’t have any wild ones.” I’m not sure if it’s superstition, but I wear the same outfit to every game: wristband, cleats, gloves, and ankle socks, and I wear my socks the same way in Green Bay and here.
“I also eat the same thing every gameday. I had a salmon salad really early in my career before one of the games. It was my first time having that, and I had a big game. I just kept that deal going and it’s been working for me since then.”
Adams faced the NFC North rival Bears twice a year while with the Packers. With the Raiders, facing the Chiefs in AFC West play may have a similar feel, but Adams’ outstanding success stems from never changing his competitive mindset.
“We look at every game like a rivalry. I’m obviously new to this team and this division, so I don’t know much about the history of it and all that. It’s a rivalry every time we get on the field,” Adams said. “i don’t look at it like we want to beat them more than the next team. I want to win the game regardless and try to impose my will on that team.”
Another constant for Adams as he moves from Green Bay in the Upper Midwest to Las Vegas in the Southwest is the enthusiastic response from the home club fans. Given his path to becoming a superstar Raider, he’s become an even bigger fan favorite.
“It’s a really good feeling to know that’s how the fan base feels about me. They’re excited about me being here, so I’m going out there to give something good to watch every week. That’s been my standard for a long time,” Adams stated.
“Having started my career in Green Bay, it was a different type of feel. They kind of watched me blossom into the player and person I am now. Going to a place where all they know is the current state of that journey, it’s a little bit more of an uproar when I come on the field.”
