The Raiders played a solid game on both sides of the ball in their first game in Las Vegas, dominating the Saints in a 34-24 victory.
The Raiders played their first game in Las Vegas in a Monday Night showdown against one of the best teams in the NFL in the New Orleans Saints. The game got off to a rocky start for the Raiders, trailing 10-0 after a series of missed tackles by the Las Vegas defense, but they battled back in a big way in the first half.
Later on in the game, Derek Carr and the Raiders found a way to move the ball, and there would be a big momentum swing in the game, as they drove down the field, finishing a drive with a touchdown pass to fullback Alec Ingold. Ingold would become the first Raider to score a touchdown in the new stadium.
The Raiders offense would not slow down after that, as the team would continue to throw the ball all over the field, tying the game at 17 at halftime, thanks to a Carr to Zay Jones touchdown and a Daniel Carlson field goal.
Las Vegas would pick up where they left off in the second half, something they had not done in 2019. The team would drive all the way downfield, and after almost fumbling the ball two times on the goal line, the Raiders would go for it on fourth down, as Carr would find Darren Waller in the end zone to take the lead 24-17.
Later in the game, Josh Jacobs would limp off the field, eventually leading to a big mishap, as Jalen Richard would fumble on a pitch on third down, but luckily the Raiders defense would respond and get the Raiders the ball back.
Jacobs would return and make an immediate impact in the game, leading the Raiders down the field, as Jalen Richard bounced back and makes an incredible touchdown on third and ten, avoiding tacklers and finding the end zone to push the lead to 31-17.
The Saints would easily drive down the field to cut the game down to 31-24, as Alvin Kamara would punch it in for a short touchdown with around 4:00 left in the game. The Raiders would get the ball back, feeding Josh Jacobs the ball to run the clock down
The Raiders offense were able to stay on the field, with help of a pass interference to keep the Raiders on the field until there was about a minute left in the game. The Raiders would elect to go for a field goal instead of punting the ball.
Daniel Carlson would nail a 54-yard field goal to extend the score to 34-24, pulling off a massive upset in Week 2.
Derek Carr, Jon Gruden silence critics in Raiders 34-24 victory over Saints
Three Stars
Derek Carr
Derek Carr played phenomenal against the Saints as he continues to silence all the critics this season. Carr would be a massive part in leading the Raiders to 34 points and a Raiders victory. Carr put up nearly 300 yards and three touchdowns, completing 28-of-38 passes.
Carr made great throws the entire game, taking risks at the appropriate times, waiting to let plays develop, and making minimal mistakes the entire game. Carr is continuing to silence critics and prove why he is the starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Darren Waller
Darren Waller had a massive game in the win against the Saints, catching 12 passes for 103 yards and a touchdown. Waller dominated the Saints defense all night, and they really had no answer for him.
Although Waller did not have any long plays, he continued to pick up first downs for the Raiders, helping run down the clock and overall keep the Saints offense off the field. Waller proved to the world that he is one of the best tight ends in the game in primetime.
John Simpson/ Denzelle Good
Not sure if I can include two players on this section, but both of these players deserve recognition. Denzelle Good did a great job against one of the best pass rushes in the NFL. Although Carr was sacked a few times on Monday, Carr had a ton of time on the majority of his drop backs.
On the other hand, John Simpson, the rookie from Clemson, stepped in mid game when Richie Incognito was put out of the game with an achilles injury and played extremely well. It is rare for a guard to get recognized, but Simpson made it clear that he will be a future starter for the team.
Derek Carr, Jon Gruden silence critics in Raiders 34-24 victory over Saints
Looking Ahead
The New England Patriots have continued to play well without Tom Brady, as they defeated the Dolphins in Week 1, and suffered a heart breaking loss to the Seahawks on Sunday Night football. Cam Newton has stepped in and shown that he has something left in the tank, making plays with his arm, and his legs since arriving in New England.
The Raiders will have to find a way to continue to dominate on offense, as the Patriots will be led by arguably the best cornerback in the NFL in Stephon Gilmore. On the other side of the ball, the Raiders will have to continue to improve upon their defense, as the Patriots will be led by Newton and Julian Edelman, who are building some nice chemisty together.
The Raiders have struggled against New England for years, but 2020 looks to be a different story for the Silver and Black. THe win on Monday night was a monster one in terms of where the franchise is right now, and on the offensive side of the ball, they have looked unstoppable for two weeks in a row.