Davante Adams recalls his 'miserable...dark time' with the Raiders
From Dark Times to Rams Glory: Davante Adams Finds Happiness in L.A.
A year ago, things were bleak for star wide receiver Davante Adams. Now, he's back in California with a new team and a fresh start.
Adams, who spent the 2023 season with the Las Vegas Raiders, described his time there as a "dark moment" during a recent interview at Rams training camp. He spoke candidly about the struggles he faced, particularly under former head coach Josh McDaniels.
Raiders Rollercoaster: A Season of Struggle and Dysfunction
Adams's 2023 season was a far cry from his stellar performance in 2022, where he caught 100 passes for 1516 yards and 14 touchdowns. Despite catching 103 passes the following year, his average yards per catch dropped to 11.1, and his touchdown total fell to a dismal 8 – his worst numbers since his second season in the league.
“That was just a dark moment in all of our lives,” Adams told ESPN. “I think all of us were pretty miserable over there."
His comments come amidst renewed familiarity with former Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, now his teammate on the Rams. The pair shared a difficult 2023 season together in Las Vegas before Garoppolo was replaced. Adams emphasized that his feelings towards Garoppolo were purely professional and they have since "caught up and laughed about it."
A Weight Lifted: Interim Coach Brings Relief, But Not Success
The firing of McDaniels midway through the 2023 season brought a brief wave of optimism to the Raiders locker room. Linebackers coach Antonio Pierce took over as interim head coach, injecting some much-needed energy into the team. However, this surge proved short-lived and the struggles continued into the 2024 season, ultimately leading to Adams's request for a trade.
Adams joined forces with Aaron Rodgers in New York before eventually landing with the Rams this year. He is now looking to put his difficult past behind him and make a positive impact on his new team. The move appears mutually beneficial, as both Adams and the Raiders have found renewed success in their respective situations.