Raiders Opinion: The Ruggs Effect

When the Raiders drafted Henry Ruggs, the thought surfaced that the Raiders would envision him as a true number one. In all honesty, if you draft a wideout with a top-15 pick, you need to ensure that would occur. However, that would not come to pass for the Las Vegas Raiders. Now, instead of lashing out and throwing blame, we need to accurately assess the situation and take steps to go forward. As always, if you’re sensitive to calm but pointed critique, this may ruffle your tender sensibilities. First, I will start with this premise: Henry Ruggs’ quiet 2020 season was not his fault. The offense failed him.

The Quarterback

Blessed with arm talent and evolving accuracy in Jon Gruden’s offense, you’d expect Ruggs to seamlessly fit into the offensive scheme. However, the two never appeared to click. In fact, during his thirteen games, Ruggs only saw forty-three targets. Now, the excuses flew, but the tape does not lie, Ruggs beat corners by a couple of steps on more than one occasion. In actuality, it appeared like, he ran cardio routes, A first-round decoy. Nelson Agholor excelled with routes and targets that could mesh with Ruggs would bring to the table. When Carr did target Ruggs, you saw too many balls that required climbing the ladder and contact catches. To his credit, Ruggs will leap to make the grab. However, standing under six feet tall flies in the face of reason. Heading into 2021, maybe those quick slants and faster-developing plays that would place Ruggs’ speed in the forefront.

The WR Corps

When the Raiders allowed Nelson Agholor to test free agency, the faint hope of Ruggs assuming his routeload dissipated. By signing John Brown, Ruggs could sit as the number two receiver. Granted, if the Raiders begin to attack more defensively, being a number-two wideout, could work. Remember, Darren Waller will see his one-hundred-plus targets. As a result, coverage, and attention will roll towards him. Ruggs could see the ball. Although he suffers from a fraction of targets, Ruggs did average 17.2 yards a catch. So, the palette for success does exist.

The Hope

Henry Ruggs needs a strong second season. The offense needs to look for him. By the offense, that refers to Derek Carr. This team employs dynamic playmakers. With one of the fastest players in the league, why not give him better routes and looks, when teams may not be readily occupied by him? Sometimes, the best results arrive from the easiest choices.