Three lessons learned about Raiders from Hall of Fame game
By KC Proctor
2. Derek Carr and Davante Adams have chemistry
We already knew that the QB and WR duo can trace their common ties back to college at Fresno State, but the interview they held together in the fourth quarter proved their chemistry.
It is clear when two people know and trust each other, and on Friday, the NFL learned that Carr and Adams have that bond. Carr has been—by the proclamation of Raiders personnel—grossly underrated in the past, and the contract that they offered him this offseason (3 years, $121.5 million) was designed to debunk that. We saw the Raiders sneak into last year’s playoff and fizzle out in the Wild Card round, so Chiefs Kingdom was still very much unconvinced of Carr’s greatness. When Davante Adams came to town, the narrative switched.
Tyreek Hill’s extension, be damned, Adams is the best wide receiver in the NFL. Carr has struggled with being a bit trigger-happy and having an arm too strong for his own good, but if his connection with Adams is as solid as it seems, those issues will fade away. What Adams’ ability will make up for in terms of Carr’s flaws will be immeasurable. If the rest of the supporting cast—Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller—can stay healthy, this passing attack will be very competitive.