OWINGS MILLS — The Ravens’ secondary will be focused on shutting down Las Vegas wide receiver Davante Adams, who is among the most dynamic players in the NFL.
Over his 11-year career, Adams has caught 877 passes for 10,840 yards and 95 touchdowns. At age 31, he still merits extra attention from secondaries.
“[Adams] is definitely a top receiver of our generation,” Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton said. “Somebody that I grew up watching – he and Aaron Rodgers always seemed like they were on the same page. He’s one of the best to do it at his position. The utmost respect to him and everything he’s done, and it’s going to be a challenge for us going against him and everybody else that they have on their team.
“[The Raiders] have some talented tight ends. I played with Mike Mayer in college for a couple years – he’s a great guy [and] a great player.”
The Ravens also have to respect Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew, who comes up with creative ways to beat teams. Last year, Minshew was the quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts and they upset the Ravens, 22-19, in overtime in Week 3.
Minshew did not have gaudy numbers — going 27-for-44 for 227 yards with a touchdown — but he showed toughness to make plays after being sacked five times.
“Gardner Minshew is a great quarterback; he beat us last year at home,” Hamilton said. “[They have a] good running back; good run scheme; great receivers as well. It’s kind of funny with this league, there’s never a ‘week off.’ You play the reigning Super Bowl champs, and then you have a great team like the Raiders coming in. It’s a challenge, but I think we’re going to be prepared for it.”