One of the biggest weaknesses last season for the Las Vegas Raiders was pushing the ball down the field and creating big plays offensively. This year Pete Carroll’s Raiders will try to make that one of their biggest strengths. Geno Smith last season was one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the NFL and was dangerously efficient throwing the ball down the field with a 70% completion rate on deep balls and a 95.1 passing grade on deep throws (4th-best in NFL). Geno Smith and DK Metcalf in Seattle had a lot of success creating big plays. Pete Carroll is looking to recreate that success with Geno Smith and now rookie Dont’e Thornton Jr.
Thornton has been a popular name all offseason for the Raiders since he was drafted. Justin Melo broke down Dont’e Thornton Jr’s opening performance this weekend and why buzz will continue to grow for Thornton.
“There was legitimate excitement to see Las Vegas Raiders rookie wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. in Thursday’s 23-23 preseason Week 1 tie with the Seattle Seahawks. Thornton ended up recording one reception for an explosive 17-yard gain. He flashed more ability than the stat line indicates. Raiders backup quarterback Aidan O’Connell had an opportunity to hit Thornton for a big-time play. Instead of converting, O’Connell underthrew the ball on a rep Thornton had created separation on. Instead of a highlight-reel gain, Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe intercepted the underthrown ball. Thornton’s lone grab was an impressive one. With the Raiders facing a third-and-14 backed up from their own five-yard line, O’Connell found Thornton near the sideline for an explosive pick-up. The former Tennessee standout completed a leaping, diving catch near the sideline to move the chains.”
It is clear as day what type of playmaker that Dont’e Thornton Jr. can be for the Raiders. He could make this offense one of the most electrifying offenses in the NFL, being a complementary piece to go along with Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty. If Thornton can be an impactful piece on this offense, the Raiders will have just enough firepower to challenge the other playoff contenders in their division.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Pete Carroll may have found his new DK Metcalf in Vegas
Reporting by Micah Huff, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
