Jarrett Stidham, former quarterback for the Auburn Tigers, had an impressive showing Sunday in his first NFL start.
He passed for 365 yards – the most by a Raiders’ quarterback in their first start. He also is one of only six players in the league’s history with at least 365 passing yards in their first start. Former Auburn Tiger and Heisman winner Cam Newton holds the record with 422 yards.
Stidham, replacing Derek Carr – the Raiders’ starter since 2014, also threw for three touchdowns in Sunday’s 37-34 overtime loss to San Francisco. He was 23-of-34 passing and had two interceptions.
Stidham tried to shoulder responsibility for the loss in the post-game press conference. His teammates, however, were extremely happy with his performance despite the defeat.
Las Vegas receiver Davante Adams said Stidham was being too hard on himself.
“I think every single person on the team said, ‘Man, get out of here with that. You balled out and you did your thing,’” he said.
Adams believes that Stidham could use some assistance on the field.
“We’ve got to find a way to help him,” Adams said. “Protect a little longer, catch a few more balls and get a few more first downs, a few more points, and it could have been a dream situation for him, too.”
Stidham was drafted by New England in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The Patriots traded him to the Raiders in May.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
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