With the addition of Davante Adams, someone was always going to get squeezed out of the passing game. In Week 1, that was Hunter Renfrow as he caught just three passes for 21 yards.
However, the Raiders would be wise to get Renfrow more involved in the offense earlier in games. That needs to start this week against the Cardinals, who have one of the league’s worst cornerback rooms.
In a recent article by Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report, he wrote about Renfrow’s lack of targets in Week 1. Here is why he believes the Pro Bowl receiver needs to see more targets in Week 2:
“While Adams saw 17 targets, catching 10 for 141 yards and a touchdown, Renfrow only saw six. What’s more concerning than the number itself is that the shifty receiver didn’t see a target until late in the third quarter.
The Cardinals pass defense was atrocious in Week 1. Granted, it was going against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, but the Raiders have a better receiving corps.
Adams is a known target hog. But to maximize the passing attack, Carr needs to spread the wealth early to stretch the defense so he can go to Adams in high-pressure situations.”
There will be games where Renfrow outperforms Adams, but will that be in Week 2? It’s possible as the Cardinals could decide to double Adams from the opening snap of the game. If that’s the case, look for Renfrow to get a lot of work moving the chains.
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