One of the stars of the Week 1 win for the Raiders was none other than Bryan Edwards. He made several big catches, including one that was nearly a game-winner. But he and fellow receiver Henry Ruggs were nearly invisible in the first half.
So how should the Raiders handle both Edwards and Ruggs going into Week 2? How many more targets does Edwards deserve against the Steelers?
In a recent article by Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, he wrote about what changes every team needs to make heading into Week 2. For the Raiders, that was getting Edwards more early-game targets.
Here is a quick snippet of his thoughts on the second-year receiver and his role in the offense:
“The 2020 third-round pick had only a single target in the first half. He caught four passes on four targets in the second half and overtime, finishing with 81 yards and nearly notching the game-winning touchdown—he was stopped just short of the goal line. Edwards provided a passer rating of 118.7 when targeted against Baltimore.
While other wideouts like Henry Ruggs III (two receptions on five targets) struggled to make a significant impact, Edwards was a difference-maker. He finished behind only Darren Waller, Hunter Renfrow and Kenyan Drake in receptions and behind only Waller in receiving yards.”
While it seems easy to say that Edwards deserves a few targets per quarter, it’s important to remember his role in the offense. The passing game is funneled through Darren Waller with Edwards and Ruggs serving in complementary roles.
For Edwards and Ruggs to receive more targets, they need to win consistently against one-on-one coverage and be able to make big plays down the field. And if teams throw more defenders at Waller, that’s when the sophomore receivers need to be ready.
Don’t expect Edwards to see significantly more targets in Week 2, but for him to be relied upon in big spots to make first downs.
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