Skip to main content
Raider Nation, Stand Up
Advertising

Pick Six: Next man up for Raiders receiving corps in absence of Davante Adams

1. WR1 is out

Davante Adams has been ruled out for Sunday's game. According to Antonio Pierce, the receiver suffered an hamstring injury in Thursday's practice.

It's unfortunate timing for the Raiders offense to miss Adams, as the former All-Pro is leading the team in targets (27), receiving yards (209) and air yards (164). This will be his first game missed since Week 8 of the 2021 season when he was still playing for the Green Bay Packers.

In his absence, Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker will be expected to replicate Adams' production. The duo were the top receivers in last Sunday's game against the Panthers, each securing seven catches and a touchdown. They combined for 158 yards, with Tucker setting a career high (96) in that category.

"You got Jakobi Meyers, who we really feel good about," Antonio Pierce said Friday morning. "And obviously, most teams he'll be their number one, and it's a great opportunity for him to go and show that as well. But collectively, nobody needs to be Davante Adams. I don't need another Davante, there's only one, right? I just need the best version of Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker, DJ Turner and the rest of those receivers."

2. Brock Bowers continues to rise

Brock Bowers has been up to the task as a rookie, ranking first among all tight ends in catches (18) and second in receiving yards (197).

He'll look to take on an even bigger role this Sunday with not only Adams being ruled out, but tight end Michael Mayer (personal), as well. While Bowers has proved the moment won't be too big for him, the Browns have a formidable tandem at linebacker with Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Jordan Hicks. The two have combined for three pass deflections this season. It's also worth noting the Browns have allowed 123 yards to opposing tight ends this season.

"That's going to be the biggest challenge, is winning your one-on-one matchups so it's going to be fun," Bowers said. "I'm just going to go out there and do my job and whatever happens, happens."

3. Do your job

Injuries have also affected the defensive side of the ball, with star edge rusher Maxx Crosby being ruled doubtful (ankle) for Sunday. If Crosby indeed doesn't suit up this Sunday, it will be the first game he's missed in his career.

While Crosby leads the team in sacks, the depth of the defensive line will be imperative in Allegiant Stadium. Christian Wilkins will undoubtedly still be able bring the pressure on the interior defensive line, but Tyree Wilson, Janarius Robinson and Charles Snowden must be prepared to make the most of their opportunities when they come.

"I wouldn't really say it's pressure, it's just, 'do your job,'" Wilson said of his mindset going into the game. "I feel when people say, 'put the pressure on me' they try to do the unordinary and try to be somebody else. But I feel like once you go out there and train all week to perform at the highest, you go on the field and just do your job and the plays will come."

4. Know who's in front of you

Regardless of Crosby's status, the Raiders defense has a good chance to exploit the Browns offense at the line of scrimmage.

The Browns offensive line is going into the Week 4 matchup plagued with injuries, as Wyatt Teller was placed on injured reserve and tackles Jack Conklin and Jedrick Wills have been ruled out.

"[A]nytime you line up, whether I'm a defensive lineman, whether I'm a cornerback or safety, you want to know who's in front of you," defensive coordinator Patrick Graham said. "So, with the moving pieces, that's the first thing, first and foremost, we've got to know who's in front of us. So, there's definitely some juggling that around and making sure we know who the people they're going to deploy out there and get to know them a little bit more. But in terms of strategy, you might force some more communication on the O-line through different things. ... But the key is to make sure any time you line up out there on the field, you want to know who's across from you."

5. A first for Amari Cooper

A top performer for the Raiders defense to watch out for will be a receiver who once donned the Silver and Black.

Amari Cooper will be facing the team that drafted him for the first time in his career. The 2015 first-rounder was selected to the Pro Bowl in three of his four seasons with the Raiders, totaling 3,183 yards, 225 catches and 19 touchdowns in that span. Currently he's leading the Browns in touchdown grabs this season and is tied with Jerry Jeudy for most catches (12).

"Really good player," Graham said of Cooper. "They utilize him in key situations. The ability to catch the ball in traffic. He's fast. They can move him in different spots. The quarterback trusts him in those critical situations. Still a dynamic player in this league. He's proven it for a long time, and fun to get to go against that type of competition. I'm sure our guys are excited about it."

6. What happened last time

The last time these two teams faced off was in a physical Week 15 matchup in the 2021 season.

The Raiders left FirstEnergy Stadium with a narrow 16-14 victory over the Browns. Daniel Carlson knocked in a walk-off 48-yard field goal as time expired. Tight end Harrison Bryant, who'll see an increased role this Sunday in Mayer's absence, caught a touchdown for the Browns in that matchup.

View photos of past matchups between the Raiders and Browns as the Silver and Black prepare for their Week 4 matchup at Allegiant Stadium.

Related Content

Latest Content

Advertising