Netflix’s “Receiver” series gives fans a glimpse into the stresses of being an NFL star receiver — including handling lousy quarterback play. The show has shown the dynamic between Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams and former quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
Davante Adams, 31, is widely regarded as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. A five-time Pro Bowler and three-time First-team All-Pro, Adams has consistently demonstrated his elite skills since being drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2014. He joined the Raiders in 2022, reuniting with his college quarterback Derek Carr.
Jimmy Garoppolo, 32, entered the NFL as a second-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2014. He gained prominence after being traded to the San Francisco 49ers in 2017, leading them to a Super Bowl appearance in 2019. Known for his quick release and efficiency, Garoppolo signed with the Raiders in 2023 to replace Derek Carr.
One episode of “Receiver” shows Adams opening up about the team benching Garoppolo in favor of rookie Aidan O’Connell in Week 9. Adams even suggests that the move had to be made if he was to stay with Las Vegas.
“My opinion on that was I signed off on that,” Adams said, as first noted by The Sporting News. “That’s just the reality of it. I love Jimmy, and he’s a great guy. But something had to happen in order for us to have a chance down the stretch, and for me to remain a Raider, in all honesty”.
The eight-episode series, which premiered on July 10, 2024, features star players Davante Adams, Justin Jefferson, George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Produced by the same team behind the successful “Quarterback” series, “Receiver” provides viewers with an insider’s perspective on the challenges and triumphs these athletes face both on and off the field. The show captures intense gameplay moments, personal struggles, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the players’ lives, including Jefferson’s battle with a hamstring injury and Adams’ frustrations with quarterback play.
Narrated by NFL legend Randy Moss, “Receiver” promises to be a compelling watch for football fans. It offers a blend of superheroic on-field performances and heartfelt off-field moments and pulls no punches, as evident when the show captured Adams’ frustration with Garoppolo’s inconsistent accuracy.
After being overthrown in a Week 8 game against the Detroit Lions, Adams was heard saying, “This is f****** pathetic, bro. Just throw the f****** ball, man! F***. Tired of this f****** bull****”.
Garoppolo Signing a Mistake
After signing a three-year, $72.75 million deal with Vegas during the 2023 offseason, Garoppolo played in seven games, making six total starts before fourth-round pick O’Connell took over for the rest of the season[4]. During Garoppolo’s stint as the starter, the Raiders went 3-3, and he performed below average, finishing with a 65.0 Pro Football Focus passing grade, ranking 28th among quarterbacks with 190 or more dropbacks during the 2023 season.
Despite the quarterback issues, Adams’ production remained strong. He ended the season with 103 catches for 1,114 yards and eight touchdowns, all of which were at least top-15 in the league last season.
As for the Raiders’ current outlook, their odds reflect the uncertainty at the quarterback position. According to the bookmakers at Fairspin Slovakia the current betting lines are:
- Odds to make the playoffs: +350
- Odds to win the Super Bowl: +8000
These odds suggest bookmakers view the Raiders as longshots for both playoff contention and championship aspirations.
The Raiders found their footing under interim head coach Antonio Pierce, finishing 5-4 down the stretch. They secured several impressive wins, including at Kansas City in Week 16 and a dismantling of the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15.
In March 2024, Las Vegas cut Garoppolo, suspended for two games, to start the 2024 season. He subsequently signed a one-year deal to back up Matthew Stafford with the Los Angeles Rams, marking the end of his brief and tumultuous tenure with the Raiders.
