Raiders: No, Davante Adams won’t regress without Aaron Rodgers

Raiders: No, Davante Adams won’t regress without Aaron Rodgers

Those who have caught passes from both see the similarities

James Jones, a former target for Aaron Rodgers who joined the Raiders in 2014, explained that the locker room collectively knew Derek Carr would win the starting job before the season started. This was a big deal, as Carr would later become the first opening day rookie quarterback to start in Raiders’ history.

During their time together in the ’14 season, Jones dubbed his quarterback “Mini Rodgers” due to the similarities between the two. The veteran receiver praised Carr for his calmness in the pocket, as well as some impressive throws he was able to make.

Four years later, now retired and off the football field, Jones doubled down on his comments from the quarterback’s rookie year. When the Raiders’ announced the signing of Jordy Nelson, another receiver to start at Rodgers before making his way to Carr and the Raiders, Jones felt the need to fill Nelson in on Carr.

“I told [Jordy Nelson] if there’s anybody that’s a very close second to Aaron Rodgers, it’s the kid you’re about to play with”.

Jones wasn’t done on his comparison just yet, going a bit deeper into detail on the similarities between the two quarterbacks.

“I knew he was going to be special. It’s natural, it’s a flick of the wrist. He can make every throw, inside the pocket, outside the pocket, and he can make plays with his legs, extremely smart, and a super competitor at the same time. He wants everything to be perfect and I seen those same things with Aaron Rodgers.”

If you’re thinking James Jones was the only player to catch passes from both Rodgers and Carr, and draw comparisons between the two, think again.

When Jared Cook was asked about similarities between the two, Cook also went into detail.

“Ball placement, able to read coverages on the move, able to read defenders positions on the receiver and able to put the ball where it needs to be for completion ratings and success as an offense.”

Cook also praised Carr’s ability to know exactly where to drop the ball, so the defender can’t make a play on it.

“I’ve played with older guys and they don’t know how to have that right touch to get the ball to the position where the receiver needs it. D.C. has that down”, Cook said.

It doesn’t stop at Jones and Cook. Just under one week ago, Davante Adams had his own comparison of the two quarterbacks he’s the most familiar with.

“As far as talent and ability, it’s really similar, If I’m keeping it real.”

To reiterate the above sentiment, It’s not my intention to hint Rodgers and Carr are of the same caliber. Rodgers is a 4x regular season MVP with a Super Bowl win, who’s often considered the most talented quarterback of all time. Although not much fault of Derek, there’s a world of difference in their careers.

My intention is to draw the similarities between the two quarterbacks, as both myself and pass catchers from both QBs see it. Ultimately, the goal is to show how there will be no efficiency drop-off from Adams, who’s now paired with Carr instead of Rodgers. Carr excels in the same categories as Green Bay’s no.12 and plays a similar style of ball. As further proof, let’s check out some analytical numbers.