5 Las Vegas Raiders to get excited about in Week 1 vs. Baltimore
Offense
Last season, the Raiders offense was one of the best in the NFL, finishing in the top-10, and helping the team to an eight-win season. They had multiple Pro Bowl players, and Derek Carr continued to master Jon Gruden’s offense, setting the stage for the 2021 season to possibly be their best one in a while on that side of the ball.
Darren Waller, Tight End
The only returning player on our list of five to get excited about Monday night, Darren Waller is someone who is must-see television every time he steps onto the field. Against the Baltimore defense, you can expect Carr to once again target Waller early, and often, and I believe that he is going to go over 100 yards in this one.
Waller made his first Pro Bowl last season, and goes into the 2021 campaign as one of the top-3 tight ends in the NFL. He will get his season off on a good note Monday night, possibly finding the end zone a few times as well.
Alex Leatherwood, Offensive Tackle
Turning our attention to the offensive line, the Raiders decided to trade away Trent Brown this offseason, and he will be replaced by a rookie in Alabama star Alex Leatherwood. The Raiders first-round pick in 2021, Leatherwood has looked outstanding this summer, but you can expect some growing pains from him in his first season in the league.
Also, he will be going up against a very opportunistic Ravens defensive line, so this is going to be a solid test for him. He may struggle at times in Week 1, but the ceiling continues to get higher and higher for him.