Las Vegas Raiders: 4 things to expect from pass catchers in 2020
Tight ends record 15 touchdowns
The tight end group will be one of the strengths of the Raiders offense which will continue the trend from 2019. Darren Waller was one of the premier offensive players in the NFL last season and as mentioned should have been a Pro Bowler.
Foster Moreau was a dynamic red zone target when healthy and even Derek Carrier provided a receiving threat. In total the Raiders tight ends accounted for 124 receptions for 1,427 yards and 9 touchdowns over the course of the season.
The Raiders added veteran Jason Witten to the mix and we should expect all of those totals to increase given the added firepower in the offense. Waller may not carry as much of the yardage totals as he did in 2019 but we can expect more contribution from Moreau in his second season and Witten as the experienced backup.
This increased production should as a result increase the unit’s scoring output which was already among the best in the league in 2019. Witten has always been a reliable red zone target even in his advanced age and all 4 of his touchdowns in 2019 came inside the 20.
Foster Moreau may be a mini-Witten in the making as he showed off his dynamism in red zone and goal-line situations before his injury. We should see an overall increase in the offense’s scoring output thanks to the added weapons and Derek Carr’s familiarity with Gruden’s offense and the tight ends will almost certainly benefit.