Las Vegas Raiders: 3 key matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 17: Defensive end Maxx Crosby #98 and quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders wait to take the field before the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 17: Defensive end Maxx Crosby #98 and quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders wait to take the field before the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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Las Vegas Raiders
Sep 13, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Bryan Edwards (89) is stopped short of the goal line by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens (21) during overtime at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Las Vegas Raiders: 3 key matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2

Raiders WR vs. Pittsburgh Secondary

Early on in their victory against Baltimore, it was clear that the goal was to get the ball into Darren Waller’s hands, as he was targeted nearly every time Carr dropped back to pass. Later on, the eight-year veteran began working in the wide receiver, including the likes of Hunter Renfrow, Henry Ruggs III, and Bryan Edwards.

Renfrow is always going to get his targets, as he has the trust of Carr, but it was Edwards who emerged as a potential star against the Ravens. On Sunday, the Raiders are going to need all hands on deck against this Steelers defense, especially with how good they are in the secondary, led by Minkah Fitzpatrick and Joe Haden.

Las Vegas cannot afford for the wideouts to get off to a slow start against Pittsburgh, as Carr needs them to make plays early to take the pressure off of tight end Darren Waller, as well as the run game. If Edwards and company get involved early, it makes the Raiders offense multi-dimensional, which should be able to spread out all the stars Pittsburgh has on that side of the ball.