A humiliating 2023 Week 2 loss puts things in perspective for the Las Vegas Raiders.
But whether in their defeat to Buffalo or their nail-biting victory over the Denver Broncos, wide receiver Hunter Renfrow seems to be missing in action.
Jimmy Garoppolo didn’t even target Renfrow during their season opener.
The Clemson product only had one catch for 23 yards a week later.
Renfrow’s reduced involvement on offense has Raiders fans alarmed.
However, offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi revealed that the fifth-year NFL player isn’t disheartened by his lack of targets.
Likewise, he declared that they do what’s best for the team in each snap.
“Over two games, it is what it is, we always look to get everybody involved. Hunter was a big part of the game plan in Week 1 and Week 2, and every player in a skill position will be in Week 3,” Lombardi said.
Raiders OC Mick Lombardi on lack of Hunter Renfrow usage: “We care about team production, not individual production, so if we’re 7 of 8 on third down and he doesn’t have a target or Davante [Adams] doesn’t have a target, they’d much rather win the game.”https://t.co/ugkf5mxBwD pic.twitter.com/IckDoKD1rG
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) September 20, 2023
Renfrow’s targets have dwindled since Josh McDaniels took over the team last season.
In 2021, Renfrow was a Pro Bowler, finishing with 103 receptions for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns.
A year later, he had 50 catches for 330 yards and two touchdowns under McDaniels.
Two weeks into the season, Renfrow has played in only 39 of the Raiders’ snaps on offense.
He appeared in only 13 snaps against the Broncos.
Renfrow is a talented receiver who has been underutilized in McDaniels’ scheme.
Figuring out his unique role could help unlock a more potent offense.
NEXT:
Chandler Jones Claims He’s Been Hacked After Recent Messages
