New Orleans Saints at Las Vegas Raiders: 3 players to watch in Week 2
New Orleans Saints at Las Vegas Raiders: 3 players to watch in Week 2
Derek Carr
It seems a bit obvious to point out the quarterback as a player to watch, but after an efficient performance against the Panthers, Derek Carr may be asked to do some heavy lifting against the Saints. Carr was hardly touched in Carolina and in fact, the Panthers did not register a sack or even a QB hit all game.
Carr was exceedingly comfortable in the pocket thanks to his talented offensive line and the lack of great pass rushers on the Panthers, but that may not be the case in Week 2. In addition to a better pass rush, the Saints also have a better offense on paper than the Panthers, even if they may be missing All-Pro wide receiver Michael Thomas to an ankle injury.
That will likely require the Raiders to put up points like they did in Week 1, but the Saints will be geared up to stop Josh Jacobs. Carr’s last game against the Saints was in 2016, and he had a 300-yard passing day in a thrilling shootout in the Superdome. The Raiders may need a repeat performance from Carr to pull out the victory against a superior team, and he has the weapons and savvy to deliver.