Baltimore Ravens to test whether Las Vegas Raiders improved in key spots
By Brad Weiss
The Las Vegas Raiders kick off their season at home in primetime against Baltimore, a team that is going to test just how far they have come in Week 1.
This offseason, it was clear that the Las Vegas Raiders front office was going to do everything they could to fix their problems on defense. From using five of their seven draft picks on that side of the ball, to making a few splashes in free agency, the key was to get better on all three levels.
While it could be said they improved on all three levels, especially by bringing in guys like Yannick Ngakoue, Trevon Moehrig, and even Casey Hayward, plenty of questions are still lurking. This is a team who could not get after the quarterback last season, struggled to tackle, and had a secondary that looked out of place most of the time.
With a new defensive coordinator at the helm, the hope is that the defense can improve, and we will know early on whether that is the case. In fact, the Week 1 matchup against Baltimore is going to unveil a lot about this defense, especially with an incredible playmaker under center in Lamar Jackson.
Ravens to attack Raiders defense where they supposedly upgraded
The good news is, we will know right away whether the Raiders made the right moves in free agency, and the draft, as Jackson and this Ravens offense has the talent to be one of the best in the game in 2021. Can the Silver and Black get pressure? Can they contain Jackson? These are all questions that will be answered.
Jackson will also try to take advantage of a young secondary, one that will have a rookie at safety, and new cornerbacks alongside Trayvon Mullen.
On offense, the Raiders will have to also prove that Alex Leatherwood is the right choice at right tackle, as the Ravens have some solid talent upfront along their defensive line. Overall, this is going to be quite a test for the Silver and Black on both sides of the ball, and one that will be taken inside what should be an incredible Allegiant Stadium crowd.
Not saying falling to the Ravens in Week 1 is a sign for a terrible season for the Raiders, but we could have more questions than answers heading to Pittsburgh on a short week in Week 2.