Oakland Raiders complete 2019 first quarter recap

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 29: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Oakland Raiders runs the ball downfield against Clayton Geathers #26 of the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter of the game at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 29: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Oakland Raiders runs the ball downfield against Clayton Geathers #26 of the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter of the game at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – SEPTEMBER 29: Darren Waller #83 of the Oakland Raiders runs the ball against Kenny Moore #23 of the Indianapolis Colts in the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – SEPTEMBER 29: Darren Waller #83 of the Oakland Raiders runs the ball against Kenny Moore #23 of the Indianapolis Colts in the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Best Story: Darren Waller

When the Raiders chose to let Derek Carr’s favorite target, Jared Cook walk in free agency, Jon Gruden assured fans that Darren Waller would be a focal part of the offense. In just four games, Darren Waller hasn’t disappointed.

His sure hands and freak athletic ability has earned him the ability to become Carr’s new favorite target, and with his 9.7 yards per catch, he has been an incredibly efficient target on third down plays. Waller is still currently without a touchdown as a majority of his yardage is from grinding the ball down the field to set up the offense to be in position to score, but we should anticipate his hard work to go rewarded in the coming weeks.

Though four games, Waller has hauled in 33 receptions, which ties Antonio Gates for the most by a tight end through the first four games of the year. He has not only been a tremendous player on the field, but has been a great ambassador for the team off of it, and a beckon for those who have struggled with substance abuse in their lives.