New Orleans Saints at Las Vegas Raiders: 3 Things to watch in Week 2

New Orleans Saints at Las Vegas Raiders: 3 Things to watch in Week 2

Saints Running Backs

Raider Nation got some good news this week, as Saints wide receiver and top offensive weapon Michael Thomas was ruled out following a high ankle sprain in Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers. Luckily for the Saints, they have one of the better 1-2 punches in the backfield with recently extended Alvin Kamara, and former Raider Latavius Murray.

Murray has filled in when Kamara has been injured quite well over the last couple years, and it seems to be that Sean Payton has grown fond of incorporating both of them within the offense, as opposed to strictly using Murray as a backup. Last week, we saw Murray amass 15 carries to Kamara’s 12, though Kamara saw all of the targets in the passing game while getting in the end zone twice, once on the ground and once through the air.

With Thomas being out I expect Payton to get a little creative with his formations. Don’t be surprised if the Raiders defense sees a lot of 21 Personnel with any combination of Kamara, Murray, and Taysom Hill. We could very well see Kamara getting a lot of time in the slot, forcing the Raiders to use a safety or linebacker in coverage while also protecting against a powerful runner.

Two-back sets in the backfield pose just as much of a problem if the Saints decide to incorporate RPO’s to create pockets for their receivers to get into.

No matter what happens, the Raiders are catching a break with Thomas being out. But where one talent is missed, another is supplemented, and they have the ability to lineup talent all over the field. It’ll be up to the Raiders to adjust their game plan and shut down a backfield that has big play ability.