Las Vegas Raiders MVP and other awards after first quarter of 2020 season
Offensive Player of the Quarter – Darren Waller
Aside from the difficult game against the New England Patriots, Darren Waller has been excellent for the Las Vegas Raiders. He started off with a low-key performance against the Panthers in week one but exploded against the Saints in week two with 12 catches for 105 yards and a touchdown.
That game was Waller’s coming out party on the national stage and helped cement his reputation as a top tight end in the NFL.
It is telling that the Patriots made every effort to take him out of the game in Week 3, and unfortunately for the Raiders, they were successful. He followed up that performance with a potentially great one against the Bills but fell victim to his own effort with a crucial fumble that swung the game.
Despite the dud against New England, Waller is still on pace for more than 100 catches and nearly 1,000 yards. He leads the team in targets with 40 and is clearly the number one option for Derek Carr. Waller should benefit from the healthy return of the Raiders rookie starters at receiver to draw defensive attention and from a potentially easier schedule later in the season.