The NFL season is here, with training camps opening around the league in full force this week. One familiar sight that we fans won’t see anymore is Green Bay Packers star quarterback Aaron Rodgers throwing to Davante Adams.
The aforementioned Adams was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason, joining his college quarterback Derek Carr. The move sent shock waves throughout the league.
Adams, reportedly wanted out of the Aaron Rodgers offseason circus. Now reunited with Carr, his signal-caller at Fresno State, Adams seems happy and based on his comments to CBSSports, he doesn’t expect to see a dropoff in QB play.
“Anytime you change quarterbacks and go from a Hall of Famer to Hall of Famer … it’s going to be a little bit of an adjustment.”
ARod’s statement implied that Carr was on the same level as Rodgers, which most people would find laughable.
Adams then explained what he meant by those comments.
“Even if you go Hall of Famer to Hall of Famer it’s an adjustment,” Adams said. “In some ways you can’t un-ring that bell.”
Davante Adams says Aaron Rodgers' time left in Green Bay played factor in him leaving:
"I love Jordan [Love], he's a great guy but… it wasn't really a point in my career I was willing to sacrifice with Aaron not being there after a year or two." pic.twitter.com/fXIoFatJde
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) June 10, 2022
Aaron Rodgers Jokingly Takes Shot At Adams
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has an ego bigger than the continent of North America, seemed to poke a little fun at Adams, his top target the past eight seasons. In an interview with The Athletic, Rodgers offered his sarcastic response, comparing Adams to less-talented wide receiver Allen Lazard.
“I mean, it’s always tough going from Hall of Famer to Hall of Famer — from Davante to Allen it’s going to be a transition. But he’s capable of a lot. And the way things have gone with the reps and guys that we’ve had, and the targets doled out, he hasn’t had a ton of opportunities. But since his first day here, he’s turned heads. So, it’s not surprising for him to go and have a really consistent day today.
“He’s been working hard. He has a lot to prove, I think, to himself and other people, maybe to the team as well. So, I like a hungry Allen Lazard. And then it’ll be an adjustment for us. But I’m happy with day one.”
Davante Adams comparing Derek Carr to Aaron Rodgers 👀 pic.twitter.com/EX9leucnjX
— PFF (@PFF) June 10, 2022
While both share the same sentiment about an adjustment being made, Adams has a better chance to make Carr look like a Hall of Famer than what Lazard can do Rodgers. There’s much more pressure on Rodgers to perform and uplift the Packers, than Adams doing so with the Raiders.
Adams Is Arguably The Game’s Best Receiver: Carr Is A Very Good QB
In acquiring Adams, the Raiders added the player most consider to be the NFL’s best receiver. He’ll be receiving passes from Carr, who’s one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the NFL. The two played college football together, and in 2013 they connected 131 times for 1,719 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Adams finished just 11 yards from leading all of college football in receptions, yards and touchdowns. The 24 paydirt touches ranks fourth all time in a single season, behind La Tech’s Troy Edwards (27) in 1998, Randy Moss (27) in 1997 and Stedman Bailey (25) in 2012.
Carr finished that same season with 5,083 yards (Most in FBS) and 50 touchdown passes. they were an historic combination and hope to duplicate that success on the NFL level.
While Carr isn’t Rodgers talent-wise, in his two seasons with Carr Adams finished with 233 receptions, for 3,031 yards and 38 touchdowns. In his last two seasons in Green Bay, Adams totaled 238 receptions, for 2,997 yards and 29 touchdowns.
There shouldn’t be any chemistry issues for Adams and Carr in Vegas. And, contrary to Rodgers’ veiled dig at Carr, the Raiders QB will have a chance to prove No. 12 wrong this season.
