The 2023 NFL season is quickly approaching which means it’s almost time for the Las Vegas Raiders to prove that they’re worthy of being in the conversation as a playoff threat like the rest of the AFC West.
The Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers and even the Denver Broncos are projected to be better than the Raiders this year, though the team is certainly hopeful that they can surprise the league. Las Vegas’ offense remains largely intact, though the team did make a huge change at quarterback as they have Jimmy Garoppolo under center now.
Garoppolo spent the past six seasons with the San Francisco 49ers but now joins the Raiders in their quest to make it back to the playoffs after finishing with a 6-11 record last year. Garoppolo’s tenure in Las Vegas got off to a rocky start as he rehabbed from an offseason foot procedure, though by all accounts he is now healthy and ready to roll for Week 1 against the Denver Broncos.
Ahead of the season, the Raiders players voted for team captains, and Garoppolo was named as one of them via Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal:
Jimmy Garoppolo, the quarterback tabbed to replace Derek Carr, is part of the group of eight players who were named captains. New linebacker Robert Spillane and safety Marcus Epps also were chosen.
The five other captains are wide receiver Davante Adams, running back Josh Jacobs, defensive end Maxx Crosby, left tackle Kolton Miller and punter AJ Cole.
It’s a veteran-laden group of captains for Las Vegas, and it should come as no surprise that Garoppolo was named one of their leaders given his years of experience and previous captain experience. Although he has only appeared in one game for the Silver and Black, Garoppolo has received praise from his coaches and teammates for his leadership ability.
There is mounting pressure for the Raiders to win games and Garoppolo is going to need to be at his best in order for them to do that. Hopefully, he’s able to stay healthy throughout the year and lead Las Vegas back to the postseason.
Dave Ziegler praises Jimmy Garoppolo’s poise and mental toughness
Like Josh McDaniels, Dave Ziegler is familiar with Garoppolo during their time together with the New England Patriots. Now reunited in Las Vegas, Ziegler has gotten another opportunity to see Garoppolo up close and has been impressed with his poise and mental toughness so far.
