When the Las Vegas Raiders acquired Davante Adams, it sparked excitement and optimism. Adams, after eight seasons with the Green Bay Packers, was eager for a fresh start, and his wish came true when the Packers traded him to Las Vegas.
However, as Adams played his 25th game with the Raiders, his frustration became increasingly apparent.
Monday night proved to be a low point for both the Raiders and Adams. In a lopsided 26-14 loss to the Detroit Lions, Adams only managed one catch for 11 yards. The Raiders were outplayed, being out-gained 486-157 by the Lions. Although the Lions made mistakes that momentarily kept Las Vegas in the game, the Raiders were unable to capitalize on those opportunities.
Adams’ frustration reached its boiling point in the fourth quarter. Jimmy Garoppolo missed an open pass to Adams, which would have resulted in a touchdown and brought the Raiders within one score. In response, Adams slammed his helmet, sat down on the bench, angrily shouted something, and then put his head down in defeat.
After the game, Adams chose to avoid any controversial statements.
“Honestly, I don’t know what to say at this moment. I truly don’t,” Adams said in the locker room afterward. “I wish I had the words to say something that won’t be blown up in the media and taken out of context. Truly, I just don’t know.”
When asked to elaborate on his feelings, Adams simply replied, “Frustration. But, I mean, that kind of goes without saying.”
Adams wasn’t the only one feeling frustrated. Josh Jacobs, who was an All-Pro last season but has struggled this year, also seemed exasperated. When asked if he had any ideas on how to ignite the Raiders’ offense,
“I don’t know, it ain’t my job,” Jacobs said, via Bridget Condon of NFL Network.
Far too often in the past two seasons, Adams has been overlooked within the offense for extended periods. During some of the Raiders’ perplexing collapses last season, Adams’ silent stretches played a significant role in their struggles. As one of the top receivers in the NFL, it is concerning when he finishes a game with just one catch out of seven targets.
Adams, who will turn 31 later this year, is on track to potentially enter the Hall of Fame. However, he undoubtedly desires a Super Bowl appearance before his career comes to a close. Unfortunately, with the Raiders, this goal seems to be slipping further away. Adams’ frustration on Monday night was impossible to ignore, and it is likely that this won’t be the last time his discontentment becomes a newsworthy story.
