Las Vegas Raiders vs Los Angeles Chargers: 3 Raiders to watch in Week 18
By Alex Perl
Las Vegas Raiders vs Los Angeles Chargers: 3 Raiders to watch in Week 18
Hunter Renfrow
The emergence of Zay Jones in recent weeks has fared not only well for the Raiders, but for their top receiver in Hunter Renfrow.
Jones broke out massively in last week’s victory over the Indianapolis Colts with eight receptions and 120 yards receiving. The performance finally elevated some stress and also double to triple coverage off of Renfrow, and may finally give the third-year receiver some space to breathe for the most part.
He has been the only consistent receiver this year for quarterback Derek Carr.
With the Raiders themselves stating they expect to get back Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller who has missed multiple weeks due to injury, not only will Jones help out Renfrow, but also the return of Waller should be of immense help.
The thing is, Waller will be a little off his game and rusty due to the extended missed action as of late, and although Jones has become a reliable backup option for Carr, this offense is still largely run through the talented slot receiver in Renfrow.
Renfrow is the only Raider receiver with 1,000 yards receiving and is entering the contest with 99 receptions, so it is very clear who the top dog is in this receiving unit when looking at the numbers. The Raiders have only been in so many contests or even won a huge chunk of them because of the durable and shifty slot receiver.
Hunter Renfrow will be key in this game, and that will be even if he does not perform that spectacularly. The reason for this will be because the defense will surely focus on the slot receiver, and hopefully, he can continue on his amazing 2021 tear, but even if he forces the defense to double team him, this will open up the field for his opposing receivers to get targets.
So either way you view it, Renfrow should be watched and will force the Charger defense to try and do all it can to try and negate his superb route running and ability to make a catch no matter how improbable it may seem with blanketed coverage.
Keep a very watchful eye on Hunter Renfrow in this clash.