Raiders vs Cardinals 2022 Week 2: Key matchups to watch
By Brad Weiss
The Las Vegas Raiders take on the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2, and here are some key matchups to keep an eye on in the matchup.
Week 2 is officially upon us, and for the Las Vegas Raiders, they draw a very winnable matchup in the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals were trounced by the Kansas City Chiefs last weekend at home, and now make the trip to Allegiant Stadium, where a rowdy Raider Nation crowd awaits them.
There was a lot of good to take out of last weekend, including how well the defense played in the second half, but there is also a lot to work on. Derek Carr looked very shaky at quarterback, which is not something you want to be writing about a guy entering his ninth season as the starter, and abandoning the run game was certainly a mistake.
Now, they turn their attention to Arizona, and here are the key matchups in this Week 2 clash.
Raiders vs Cardinals 2022 Week 2: Key matchups to watch
Raiders offensive line vs Cardinals defensive front 7
Going into the 2022 season, the Raiders offensive line was a big question mark, and it remains one entering Week 2. Center Andre James has been ruled out of this contest, leaving them even more short-handed, and based on last weekend, they have to do a better job protecting Derek Carr.
Yes, there were times Carr held onto the ball for way too long, but for the most part, he was under duress every time he dropped back to pass. Arizona did not get much pressure on Patrick Mahomes last weekend, and JJ Watt is questionable to play, but the offensive line holding up will be paramount for the Silver and Black on Sunday.
Raiders pass rush vs Kyler Murray
The Arizona Cardinals may be missing a bunch of weapons in the passing game, as DeAndre Hopkins, Andy Isabella, and Rondale Moore are both out, but their quarterback is a weapon himself. Kyler Murray can beat a defense in so many ways, so getting consistent pressure against him will be key this weekend.
Murray has incredible escapability, so not only do the Raiders need to get push, but they must keep containment on the outside as well. If Murray is able to break the pocket and run, it could lead to sustained drives for the Cardinals, and a long day for the Raiders defense.
Arizona defense vs Darren Waller
During their matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs, it was clear that their defense had no answer for star tight end Travis Kelce. On Sunday, Darren Waller needs to have the same kind of impact, as it will help open up the run games, and clear lanes for both Hunter Renfrow and Davante Adams from the wide receiver spot.
The Cardinals’ defense is not good, and Waller is looking for a monster game after signing his big contract extension last Saturday. He has the ability to go for ten-plus catches and over 100 yards in Week 2, and I believe he should be the focal point of this offense.