HENDERSON, Nev. — The AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award may slip from Raiders tight end Brock Bowers’ grasp due to unfortunate timing, as Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is primed to claim it, likely with a substantial lead.

Despite this, Bowers is making a compelling case for the honor, completing what is considered one of the best rookie seasons ever for a tight end and among the finest for any first-year receiver. “Just look at the records and look at the stats,” stated Las Vegas coach Antonio Pierce on Monday.

Bowers has amassed 108 receptions for 1,144 yards, surpassing Mike Ditka’s long-standing record of 1,067 receiving yards for tight ends, which was set 63 years ago. While Ditka accomplished this in 14 games, Bowers has played 16, and no tight end has been able to eclipse Ditka’s record previously, even with more opportunities. Additionally, Bowers shattered Puka Nacua’s rookie record of 105 catches established only last season.

Historically, Ditka remains the sole tight end to be awarded the league’s top offensive rookie distinction, a title he is likely to retain. Bowers’ numerical achievement is somewhat overshadowed by the current predicament of the Raiders, a struggling team with only four wins. His record-breaking outings occurred during a 25-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints, a match which garnered limited national attention due to both teams’ challenges this season.

Meanwhile, Daniels solidified his credentials on a larger stage, guiding Washington to an overtime victory against the Atlanta Falcons, with a score of 30-24, thereby enhancing the team’s playoff prospects. The Commanders have improved significantly from last year’s 4-13 record to an 11-5 standing, a remarkable turnaround largely attributed to Daniels, who was the second pick in this year’s draft. Although he seems the frontrunner for the Offensive Rookie award, Bowers’ impressive achievements should not be dismissed.

Both athletes are experiencing historic seasons, and had the circumstances been different, Bowers might have been the standout candidate for this year’s honor. “We ask the tight ends to do a lot,” commented Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell. “I think tight end is one of the hardest positions to play… I am super proud of him and I can’t say enough good things about the guy.”

Reflecting on the team’s performance, the Raiders’ pass rush has been outstanding, securing 17 sacks across the last five games, tying with the Green Bay Packers for the fourth-highest during this period. Against the Saints, the Raiders achieved their third game with four or more sacks in this sequence. They have also maintained a streak of 34 consecutive games with at least one sack, ranking third longest in the NFL, following the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles.

However, special teams have shown signs of vulnerability, as exemplified by a recent blocked kick. Daniel Carlson’s blocked extra point marked the fourth incident of either a kick or punt being deflected over the last three games, adding to the team’s typically strong reputation in this area.

In positive news, Ameer Abdullah recorded his first-ever 100-yard rushing game after a decade in the league, which is also the first for a Raiders running back this season. This position has seen constant change in efforts to replace Josh Jacobs, who is now with the Packers. Although Abdullah may not be the long-term solution, he has certainly positioned himself for consideration within the organization’s future.

On a less favorable note, the chances of the Raiders acquiring quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward in the upcoming draft seem to be diminishing after two successive victories. The team now sits in a position to pick eighth, with the potential of landing no worse than tenth. Consequently, this could increase the likelihood that O’Connell will continue as the starting quarterback. He is demonstrating his capability with two consecutive wins, which include throwing for 242 yards and two touchdowns against the Saints. Commenting on O’Connell’s emerging role, Pierce stated, “I think Aidan O’Connell would be a starting NFL quarterback.”

In terms of health, there were no significant new injuries reported. The Raiders’ defense has also shown strength lately, allowing only 39 points over the past three games, the fourth-fewest in the NFL during that stretch. They have kept opponents under 20 points in four out of the last five contests.

Looking ahead, the Raiders will close out their season at home against the Los Angeles Chargers.