Las Vegas Raiders Week 15 Studs and Duds: Mariota shines

Dec 17, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws against Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Justin Jones (93) during overtime at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws against Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Justin Jones (93) during overtime at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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Darren Waller had another monster game on Thursday. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Darren Waller had another monster game on Thursday. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders Studs: Darren Waller

Darren Waller keeps on putting up massive numbers this season, after some early games where he was catching a high volume of passes but was not putting up many yards. After his 200-yard performance against the Jets, Waller followed it up with more than 70 yards against Indianapolis and put up 150 yards and a touchdown against the Chargers.

Waller has been the only constant for the Raiders this year on offense as the rest of the weapons have rotated in and out of the lineup or have been shut down but opposing defenses. He deserves all of the plaudits he will receive this season, which should more than likely include a Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro selection.

The veteran tight end is now on pace for over 1,000 yards and more than 100 catches on the season, which will move him over the 1,000-yard mark for the second year in a row. Gruden and company have found an absolute diamond in the rough in Waller, and deserve plenty of credit for picking him up off the Baltimore Ravens’s scrap heap.

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