Davante Adams calls out Raiders after loss to Steelers
Davante Adams says it's time the Raiders get real
Updated September 25, 2023 - 11:44 am

Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) is comforted by teammate Jermaine Eluemunor (72) after getting hurt during a play in the first half of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) celebrates a run during the second half of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders fans are dejected as the game slips away against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson (20) looks for the ball as Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) catches it near the end zone during the first half of a game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave their towels and celebrate after a touchdown is scored by wide receiver Calvin Austin, not pictured, during the first half an NFL game against the Raiders on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) grimaces as Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee (23) leaps over him during the second half an NFL game on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) is pumped up after a sack on Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) during the first half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Catrina Raider, middle, during tailgating before the first half of the Raiders versus Pittsburgh Steelers NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders wide receiver DeAndre Carter (3) is taken down by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Mark Robinson (93) after a return during the first half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) celebrates his touchdown with the fans during the first half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

A young Raiders fan during tailgating before the first half of the Raiders versus Pittsburgh Steelers NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders Head Coach Josh McDaniels argues with a referee after another penalty in favor of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) can't pull in a reception the ball during the second half of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

A Raiders fan before an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders cornerback Marcus Peters (24) celebrates as his teammate Marcus Epps (1) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby stretches during the halftime of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) is sacked and injured while sacked by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during the first half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Pittsburgh Steelers fan Amir Smith shows off his necklace before the start of an NFL football game against the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) battles for a reception with Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Levi Wallace (29) during the first half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders fans during tailgating before the first half of the Raiders versus Pittsburgh Steelers NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Former Raider Charles Woodson signs autographs for fans during warm ups before the first half of the Raiders versus Pittsburgh Steelers NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson (20) celebrates a sack by one of his teammates during the second half of a game against the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Tony Valdivia, of Stockton, Calif., plays his trump for fans during tailgating before the first half of the Raiders versus Pittsburgh Steelers NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) dives for the goal line but is short in the arms of Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Levi Wallace (29) during the second half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) over the top of Raiders safety Marcus Epps (1) during the first half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders fans are dejected as the game slips away against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) gets into an argument with Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) and offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor (76) during the first half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) goes down with the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee (23) and cornerback Patrick Peterson (20) come charging at him during the first half of a game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders fan Robert Lee dances at a tailgate before an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) is sacked by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Markus Golden (44) during the second half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

A Pittsburgh Steelers fan holds up a sign during the first half an NFL game against the Raiders on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) pulls in a long reception over Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Levi Wallace (29) during the first half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Pittsburgh Steelers fans tailgate before the first half of the Raiders versus Pittsburgh Steelers NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) during the first half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) has his hand on his face and the other on his heart on the sideline before the first half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) yells to his teammates during the second half of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Kendra Stabler-Moyes, daughter of the late Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler, admires her father’s Hall of Fame bust during his ring presentation before an NFL game between the Raiders and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) lies on the turf in pain after being bent back by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) on a sack during the first half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders Head Coach Josh McDaniels hugs running back Brandon Bolden (34) during warm ups before the first half of the Raiders versus Pittsburgh Steelers NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) holds onto the ball after a successful catch as Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson (20) tries to tackle him during a game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

A member of the Raiders Royalty watches unhappily as the Pittsburgh Steelers score again during the first half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) stumbles into the end zone for a touchdown during the first half of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) looks to break through the line against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Former boxing heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, left, watches team warm ups from the sideline before an NFL game between the Raiders and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) throws the ball to a teammate during the first half of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) is tackled by Raiders cornerback Marcus Peters (24) and defensive tackle Byron Young (93) during the first half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders fan Anabel Munoz during a tailgate before an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) attempts to scramble away from Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during the second half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Pittsburgh Steelers fan Jose Farias walks into Allegiant Stadium before an NFL football game against the Raiders on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) celebrates a flag on a Pittsburgh Steelers play during the second half of a game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) catches a touchdown during the first half of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) is taken down by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Mark Robinson (93) after a short gain during the first half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave their towels during the first half an NFL game against the Raiders on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and teammates tackle Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during the first half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Fans walk across Mandalay Bay Road before the start of an NFL football game between the Raiders and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) holds onto the ball as Raiders defensive players try to stop him from moving with the ball during the second half of a game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) celebrates a two-point conversion reception against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders owner Mark Davis, left, hugs Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) before a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) looks for yards as Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Kwon Alexander (54) moves in during the second half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders fan Mario Perez before an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) gets into formation during the first half of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders owner Mark Davis is joined by fighter Mike Tyson, alumni and others on the field during warm ups before the first half of the Raiders versus Pittsburgh Steelers NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Trenton Thompson (17) looks to run through a tackle attempt by Raiders fullback Jakob Johnson (45) during the first half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) slides on a run but takes a knee to the helmet from Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee (23) during the second half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders owner Mark Davis, left, meets with Hall of Fame defensive back Charles Woodson before an NFL game between the Raiders and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) regroups with his teammates during the second half of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders cornerback Marcus Peters (24) reacts after Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88), not pictured, scored a touchdown during the second half an NFL game on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) watches his offensive teammates play during the second half of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) walks off the field after another stalled drive against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders cornerback Marcus Peters (24) watches the action from the sidelines as the clock runs out during the second half of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sets his helmet down after another first down by the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images
The time for talk is over as far as Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams is concerned.
The final straw was a 23-18 loss to the Steelers on “Sunday Night Football” at Allegiant Stadium in which the Raiders again were their own worst enemy in their mishandling of the ball, inability to consistently run the ball and failure to get the Steelers off the field when it mattered most.
The lack of complementary football was blatant for the umpteenth time and pushed the Raiders to 1-2 with a trip to Los Angeles against their division rival Chargers up next.
And, frankly, Adams is sick and tired of it. Or better yet, talking about it and analyzing it and everyone promising to do better the next time.
The process will begin Monday morning when the Raiders scour over the tape and relive the handful of mistakes they made to bury themselves into a 23-7 second-half hole and ignite a decidedly pro-Steelers crowd.
Adams has been there, done that. It makes his stomach turn. And it’s high time, he said, that the Raiders actually do something about it.
“It’s not just talking and doing all that, but it’s putting it into action and figuring out what’s wrong and doing something about it so that when we go out there the next time it looks different,” Adams said.
Three weeks into the season, Adams, who was unguardable in catching 13 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns, is already feeling a sense of urgency to get things right.
“It’s not my mentality to sit here and try to take all season and figure it out,” Adams said. “You use these early games like this to establish an identity. We’re not doing things the right way to establish a winning culture.”
He didn’t have to add an “or else” to make his point.
“It’s not supposed to just be a week of talking about s —,” Adams said. “We’ve got to go out there and do it. That’s the theme of this year — doing it. Not just talking about it and figuring out what we need to do. We did all that last year. This year we gotta be about it.”
The issues are everywhere, though some blatant ones top the list.
Jimmy Garoppolo, for all his understanding of the Josh McDaniels’ offense he began his NFL career in, has been inconsistent, turnover prone and unsure how to tap into his various weapons. He threw for 324 yards and two touchdowns, but by the time he got rolling, the Raiders were in a deep hole.
Yet another game came and went without receiver Hunter Renfrow playing a discernable role. And outside of the Garoppolo-Adams connection, the Raiders’ new quarterback struggled to consistently incorporate anyone else. That, combined with the NFL-high six interceptions he’s thrown, has led to a decidedly shaky start with the team.
Garoppolo was being evaluated for a concussion after the game and was not made available to the media.
It didn’t help that the Raiders could not run the ball consistently, a constant theme the first three weeks. Josh Jacobs, the reigning NFL rushing leader, finished with 62 yards on 17 carries, but a good chunk of them came after the Raiders found life in the fourth quarter and made it a one-score game.
The late-game rally, which featured a questionable call by McDaniels to kick a field goal while trailing 23-15 rather than go for it on fourth-and-4 from the Steelers’ 8, is something the Raiders hope to build on. But, as edge rusher Maxx Crosby pointed out, they never should have been in that position to begin with.
That’s exactly Adams’ point and one Crosby, a fellow captain, endorses.
“Davante is 100 percent right,” Crosby said. “He has a right to be frustrated.
“We gotta stop beating ourselves.”
Contact Vincent Bonsignore at vbonsignore@reviewjournal.com. Follow @VinnyBonsignore on X.