Las Vegas Raiders X-Factors against the Chargers in 2022 Week 1
O-line and pass protection
The Raiders have arguably the most lethal receiving trio in Davante Adams, Hunter Renfrow, and Darren Waller. But that potential will only look good on paper if Derek Carr has little to no time to find his receivers.
It’s not a secret at this point, but Las Vegas’ success on offense hinges on how well the offensive line performs and it is surely an x-factor in Week 1.
The last time these two teams played in Los Angeles back in Week 4 of the 2021 season, Carr was sacked four times for a loss of 31 yards. The Raiders were shut out in three of four quarters as the offense simply ground to a halt, in particular throughout the first half.
Heading into 2022 this offense has too much potential to be hindered by a lack of pass protection.
That means the offensive line has to hold their own on Sunday, at least to the point where Carr can get the ball out quickly to his target. Carr averaged 2.5 seconds in the pocket between the snap and throwing the ball to his receivers, so he has the track record on his side. It’ll be up to the offensive line to give Carr even the sliver of time needed to let the play develop.