We sat down with Who Dat Dish Site Expert Nathan Beighle to discuss the Week 2 matchup between the Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints.
In a matchup between two 1-0 teams, the Las Vegas Raiders will play host to the New Orleans Saints in the first ever game at Allegiant Stadium. The Raiders come into this game fresh off a 34-30 victory over the Carolina Panthers, thanks to a three touchdown performance by star running back Josh Jacobs.
Las Vegas is going to need more of the same against a tough Saints defense, one that features one of the best defensive lines in the game. The Raiders counter with one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, so it is going to be must-see TV in the trenches under the bright lights of Monday Night Football.
In preparation for the Week 2 battle, we sat down with Nathan Beighle, the Site Expert from Who Dat Dish to discuss the Week 2 matchup.
How much does Michael Thomas being out hurt what the Saints do on offense?
No, Michael Thomas would be a blow for the Saints offense, but he wasn’t as involved in normal in Week 1, having just five targets. With Emmanuel Sanders, who served as a No. 1 receiver last year, it won’t be the end of the world if Thomas doesn’t suit up.
Also, Alvin Kamara, Taysom Hill and Jared Cook were all very active in Week 1, so there is no shortage of weapons for Drew Brees on Monday night.
The Raiders kept Christian McCaffrey in check in the passing game last week. What bigger problems does Alvin Kamara present in that role?
Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray have a thunder and lightning style of play. Murray will get more run, whether that’s the strategy or the team is wanting to keep Kamara fresh is still up in the air, but nonetheless it’s more of a dual threat. That should bode well for them after McCaffrey was limited.
It’s a different look, and Kamara may get in the flat more often as that’s more-so his purpose as CMC has to do it all. Kamara found the end zone almost three times on Sunday so his nose for the end zone early could be an issue.
Is there one under-the-radar player on your defense the Raiders should be worried about?
Jared Cook. He didn’t score last week, but he’s taking a hot second half of 2019 straight into 2020. Without Thomas, this could be a breakout game for the veteran tight end.
JBB: The Raiders know Cook all too well, as he was the No. 1 weapon for Derek Carr during his time in the Silver and Black. Coverage against tight ends has long been an issue for this defense, and the hope is the upgrades at linebacker can help limit Cook on Sunday.
What is your prediction for the game on Monday night?
I got Saints 30, Raiders 24. I think they play them well, but the Saints just have too much talent.
We thank Nathan for his time, and you can follow him at @nathanbeighle_ and catch all of his work on the Saints FanSided website, Who Dat Dish.