Las Vegas Raiders vs Arizona: Cardinals to Worry About in Week 2
By Brad Weiss
The Las Vegas Raiders battle it out against Arizona in Week 2, and here are some Cardinals to worry about in the matchup inside Allegiant Stadium.
In Week 1, the Las Vegas Raiders struggled in the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers and were unable to come back from the halftime deficit. Quarterback Justin Herbert had his way with the Raiders’ defense throughout the first two frames, and by the time the Raiders were able to settle down and get stops, the damage had already been done.
Between the defense struggling in the first half, and Derek Carr struggling throughout, the Week 1 loss was a bad one for the Silver and Black. Sure, they had a chance to win it late and had the ball, but it was clear that they were out of sync.
In Week 2, they look to bounce back against the Arizona Cardinals, and here are three members of that team the Raiders need to be worried about.
Las Vegas Raiders vs Arizona: Cardinals to Worry About in Week 2
Kyler Murray
When it comes to the Arizona Cardinals, one name stands alone, and that is quarterback Kyler Murray. The sensational playmaker has the ability to hurt teams with his arm, and his legs, and after not being able to get to Justin Herbert in Week 1, the Raiders defense has an even more elusive QB to battle this Sunday.
Murray is without a few of his weapons on offense, including DeAndre Hopkins, who is still suspended, so he may try and take off and run as soon as trouble comes. The Raiders have to do a good job in containing, because if he runs wild on Sunday, it could be a long afternoon of sustained Cardinals drives.
James Connor
It was not the best opening week for James Conner, as he rushed only ten times for 26 yards, but he did find the end zone once. The Cardinals were forced to abandon the run due to the incredible display put on by the Chiefs offense, and that led to Conner and the rest of the backfield having a minimal impact.
Against the Raiders, the Cardinals are likely to focus more on the run game, as they look to keep Derek Carr and the offense off the field. Conner is a guy who has had some huge games in the past, and if he starts to feel it, this Cardinals offense is going to be very hard to stop across four quarters.
Budda Baker
Budda Baker is someone the Raiders have to keep an eye on in the secondary at all times, as he is an excellent safety who is solid against the run, and the pass. With so many weapons on offense, the Raiders need to spread the ball around, and Baker is a guy that Carr needs to find before every play, seeing if he needs to audible out.
In Week 1, Baker was all over the field, notching 13 tackles, including seven of the solo variety. The Chiefs were able to throw all over the Arizona secondary, but Baker is an opportunistic defensive back, and if Carr tries to be too aggressive the way he was in Week 1, you can expect Baker to sniff out a turnover.