The Las Vegas Raiders offense has the chance to be one of the best in the NFL this season, but its success will be greatly dependent on new quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Training camp will largely be focused on Garoppolo developing chemistry with his new weapons in DaVante Adams, Hunter Renfrow, Jakobi Meyers and rookie tight end Michael Mayer.
Much of the focus has been on Garoppolo and Adams’ chemistry and with good reason as the All-Pro remains one of the best receivers in the entire NFL. But Renfrow had established himself as a Pro Bowler in his own right, and one of the best slot receivers in the league as well before injuries ruined his season last year.
And so far Renfrow is enjoying his time with Garoppolo and is looking forward to continuing to grow with him as the Raiders’ leader.
“Yeah, he’s fun to play with,” Renfrow said recently. “He’s steady. He’s consistent. He’s what you want in a quarterback. He’s a leader, he’s a great guy in the locker room, so I can’t say enough good things about him. And he’s won everywhere he’s been, so just following his lead and kind of jumping on his back and going from there.”
Garoppolo never had a receiver quite like Renfrow during his time with the San Francisco 49ers, but the former Pro Bowler can make life much easier on the new Raiders quarterback. Renfrow is extremely shifty and quick in the middle of the field which is where Garoppolo best operates.
After having the worst year of his career last season, Renfrow is looking to bounce back in a big way. Injuries limited him greatly in 2022, but in 2021 Renfrow was a Pro Bowler who totaled 103 catches for over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns. That was before Adams joined the Raiders so matching those numbers might be asking a bit too much, but he can still be an extremely valuable piece.
It’s also worth noting that Renfrow is the latest Raider to praise Garoppolo for his work and leadership ability. Adams and Garoppolo have both spoken highly of each other already while defensive leader Maxx Crosby loves the Raiders’ quarterback’s attitude and ability to trash talk.
The process is still in its beginning stages, and there is plenty of work to be done, but so far the Raiders as a team are gravitating around Garoppolo as their quarterback and leader heading into the 2023 season.
