As so often is the case in the NFL, the players that receive the bigger contracts and have more recognizable names aren’t always the ones that make the most impact once the season starts. Such is the case with the Raiders this season, once again, as wide receiver Nelson Agholor and running back Devontae Booker
Two offseason signings paying bigger dividends than higher-profile acquisitions
Good article Steve. I think it really highlights the importance of scheme and team fit when playing at the FA roulette table.
I disagree slightly with you on Kwiatkowski, who is starting to show up a lot more in gamed but I have been really disappointed in Littleton – what happened to the “do everything” guy in L.A.?
Only time I heard his name called on Sunday was for a penalty that set up a Charger first and goal. Has he stopped trying now he is getting paid?
Doesn’t look like we are asking him to do anything more than he did elsewhere but in replays he looks like a very old Reggie Nelson trailing behind every play the opponents make.
Who’d be a GM?
I agree with it being a nice thing to have with a versatile OL. I remember a while back that Feliciano had that role and was a bit disappointed to see him let go. I also would disagree slightly with Kwiatkowski because I think he is getting more comfortable being the QB of the defense.
Has anyone read anything definitive on the Littleton problem? Is it Littleton himself just not performing? Is it a problem with him adjusting to the scheme and he just needs more time? We keep talking about the disappointment, but are never clear on the “why.” Nothing is changing; they keep him out there; so can we assume the coaching staff believes he’ll figure it out? Can we assume if he’s not putting forth the effort or buying in, that the coaches would pull him? Are there any real answers, or just speculation?
Matt, that’s the frustrating thing for me… we never get to find out the inside thinking not just on Littleton but also on Joyner. All we seem to get are indicators that the coaches are ok with what is going on – what do they see that we don’t?
Exactly. This is where I’d think reporters should be adding value…using their connections and sources to get the inside thinking on matters such as this. Got to think COVID has had an impact on reporters’ ability to get information these days. Cork can probably answer that. But it sure is frustrating for the fan.
Perhaps this video by Sanjit T might answer your question:
Thanks for pointing this analysis out, David. After viewing it, seems the conclusion reached is that we don’t have a Corey Littleton problem, as he’s being asked to do the impossible and is actually doing it well 90% of the time. The takeaway then, is we don’t feel like he’s a factor because he’s usually doing his job of coverage off-screen and we only become aware on the 10% he gets beat. Hence, the coaches are either okay with his success rate or have no one who can do it better, so we stick with the status quo. Is that how you see it?
Thanks from me too David…. found that really interesting as it brought out how our perception is dependent on what the cameras follow in the game.
Cheers
And in light of this, can we really say he was a bust free-agent signing and wasn’t worth the cost? I still think there are many that will argue that.
My takeaway from the film study is that in the 10% where his play is poor, I would say it’s a scheme issue. From the examples in the film study, it seems like he’s being asked to play a hybrid LB/safety role. He is certainly not in a position to succeed. If Littleton’s role is to allow Kwiatowski to move more freely, then he’s doing his job.
That seems right to me. And certainly, if every game you’re lined up against the best TEs in the league….particularly in our division…you’re going to lose some of those battles, and in spectacular fashion no doubt.
David best article on this site in a while thanks