Las Vegas Raiders: Bryan Edwards becomes a star on Monday night
By Brad Weiss
The Las Vegas Raiders won an incredible game against the Baltimore Ravens, and Bryan Edwards emerged as a legitimate WR1 for the Silver and Black.
The Las Vegas Raiders took on the Baltimore Ravens in a Monday night classic in Week 1, as fans invaded Allegiant Stadium for the first time ever in a regular-season game. After going down early, and trailing at the half, the Raiders were able to come all the way back against the Ravens, as a 55-yard field goal by Daniel Carlson forced overtime.
That field goal was set up by some incredible catches by second-year wide receiver Bryan Edwards, who emerged as a legitimate weapon for this offense. Blessed with incredible strength, size, and speed, Edwards has everything you look for in a WR1, and he just may have emerged as one against the Ravens.
When the game went to overtime, Edwards came up big again, seemingly sending the Raiders to the win on a beautiful catch in the extra frame. That play was called back, but even with that, it did nothing to diminish Edwards’ impact on Monday night, which all came in the second half and overtime.
Raiders come through in overtime against the Ravens
Edwards’ touchdown was called back, but it ended up being the defense that stepped up in a big way, forcing a second fumble on Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson. That would set up a 31-yard touchdown pass from Derek Carr to Zay Jones, who has been nearly automatic since putting on the Silver and Black and sending Las Vegas to a 1-0 record.
With the entire AFC West winning on Sunday, this game was a big one for the Raiders, and while it was one of the stranger endings we have seen, they were able to get the job done. We had said that Edwards would stand out in 2021, and he did not disappoint.
This was a game that could be the coming out party for Edwards, who the team has been very high on since taking him in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. While Ruggs was the first-rounder, Edwards shined on Monday night, but it will take both young wide receivers to take this team to the next level.