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Most disappointing Las Vegas Raiders so far in 2022

By Mario O. Tovar

OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 19: A detailed view of a helmet belonging to and Oakland Raiders player sitting on top of a Gatorade cooler against the Los Angeles Rams during the fourth quarter of their preseason NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Ram won the game 24-21. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 19: A detailed view of a helmet belonging to and Oakland Raiders player sitting on top of a Gatorade cooler against the Los Angeles Rams during the fourth quarter of their preseason NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Ram won the game 24-21. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 17: Darren Waller #83 of the Las Vegas Raiders walks off the field after a win over the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on October 17, 2021, in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Most disappointing Las Vegas Raiders so far in 2022

Darren Waller

Key 2022 Stats

  • 1 Touchdown
  • 16 Catches
  • 2 Drops

Speaking of disappointing, you just need to take one look at Raiders’ Twitter and Facebook to get the fans’ pulse regarding Darren Waller. After getting injured early in the action this past Monday night, many fans expressed anger and disappointment. Some point to Waller getting his new deal this offseason, which has been followed by a less-than-stellar performance in 2022.

Yes, injuries happen but try explaining that to impulsive, rowdy fans.

Many point to Waller’s drops as a major concern, but historically, that’s always been the underlying problem. From 2019 through last season, Waller had 14 drops. The fact that his two drops this season have come on pivotal, potentially game-changing plays only magnifies the issue.

Overall, it’s quite shocking to see Waller’s target rate take such a sharp decline. In 2021, he had three games with double-digit targets, including the playoff game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He also had another three games with eight-plus targets.

At some point, you expect McDaniels to make Waller a point of emphasis. To Waller’s credit, he has improved in run blocking, but he’s simply not making the tough catches. Carr will make throws to him in tight windows. Waller needs to make the most of those.

He’s never been known as a “physical” tight end like Travis Kelce, for example, but he received his new contract, he’s got the size, so either he delivers in a big way or fans will continue turning on him.

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