Why Raiders’ Josh McDaniels is not just a coach to Davante Adams, he’s also a big fan
It is no surprise what Davante Adams has brought to the Raiders this season.
There has been touchdown after touchdown — 10 in all, so far — including a pair in Sunday’s 22-16 overtime victory. His second TD pass from Derek Carr was completed in walk-off fashion against the Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.
Raiders coach Josh McDaniels is amazed by what Adams can do.
“He’s a unique player,” he said on Monday. “Very difficult no matter where you put him. I think the thing that makes Davante very special is just up here (mentally), he can think, process, understand the way he’s being covered, the way people are playing him, leverage, route technique, setting up his routes, doing a lot of different things that allow him to get open and be special. I think sometimes when young players come into the league, they think it’s all skill and talent. And that’s part of the equation, there’s no question.
“But I think the other part that he’s really mastered is his ability to set people up. He’s got great savvy and instincts, great awareness. Like the last play, I mean, that doesn’t happen if he doesn’t set it up the right way and really get the corner leaning to go across the field, but he understands that. He’s a special player. He really is.”
How did Adams get wide open against Patrick Surtain II for the game-clinching play?
The former Fresno State provided this recap:
“It was an adjustment, based off how they were playing early in the game,” Adams said. “Route running is really just the sameness with each route. If they see something that is very similar, so I try to give a look that basically, that’s why he ended diving over to the top the way he did. He thought he had a jump on it, basically. I mentioned to Coach we would be able to do this. If it presents itself, we would have a home run.
“Sure enough, when I go inside, he starts flying over the top. As soon as I saw him go I said, ‘Please God, give that man some time.’ A little bit of time. I don’t need much right now. As soon as I looked and I saw the ball go up ... it was a touchdown.”
Adams finished the game with seven receptions for 141 yards. Adams has three career overtime touchdowns, tied with Pro Football Hall of Famer Ladainian Tomlinson for the most in NFL history.
Adams’ 10 touchdown receptions this season are second most behind the Chiefs’ Travis Kelce. Adams is the fourth player in NFL history with at least 10 TD receptions in at least six of his first nine seasons, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Jerry Rice (seven seasons), Marvin Harrison (six) and Ran Moss (six).
He has six games this season where he topped 100 yards.
The Raiders acquired Adams in a trade with the Green Bay Packers in March knowing that he could deliver performances like Sunday’s. Just like at Fresno State, Adams has been reliable in big moments.
“He’s got good speed,” McDaniels said. “He’s got really good quickness. He’s got incredible hands. It’s just the whole thing. He can play the game within the game, which really just takes you to a whole new level.”
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs is in awe as he sees how Adams is able to make opposing players whiff on plays. Not just that, but also in the way he makes his teammates better.
Jacobs had success as the Broncos tried to slow Adams. The running back carried 24 times for 109 yards and caught three passes for 51 yards, including a career-long 43-yard reception to set up the tying field goal in the fourth quarter.
“I don’t know why you would ever want to be one-on-one with 17 or anything like that,” Jacobs said. “I mean the guy is who he is. He’s one of the best in this position in this game, so man, I’m honestly humbled and honored to have him on the team. He made my job a lot easier.”
This story was originally published November 21, 2022 at 3:36 PM with the headline "Why Raiders’ Josh McDaniels is not just a coach to Davante Adams, he’s also a big fan."
