Reasonable expectations for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022 Week 3
By Brad Weiss
The Las Vegas Raiders take on the Tennessee Titans in Week 3, and here are some reasonable expectations for the matchup.
The Las Vegas Raiders and Tennessee Titans were two teams that were supposed to fight for a playoff spot this season, but going into Week 3, they are fighting each other for their first win. The Titans have looked downright bad this season, losing at home to the New York Giants, and then getting pasted by the Buffalo Bills in primetime on the road, so they are certainly looking for payback somewhere.
The Raiders, on the other hand, have been a roller coaster ride all season long, as they seem to only want to play good football for half of the game. In a matchup of two 0-2 teams, something has got to give, and we dive into some reasonable expectations here.
Reasonable expectations for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022 Week 3
Derek Carr does not turn it over
This has not been the start to the season that anybody could have hoped for, as the Raiders lost to a division rival in Week 1, and then blew a 20-0 halftime lead in Week 2 at home. One of the key problems has been the play of Derek Carr, who was terrible against the Chargers and then played not to lose in the second half against Arizona.
One other thing Carr needs to do is protect the ball, as he is throwing interceptions at a high rate this year, and seems to fumble nearly every time he is sacked. If he protects the football on Sunday, there is no reason why the Raiders do not win this game going away.
Maxx Crosby notches two sacks
Through two games, Maxx Crosby has gotten a sack only once, but it has not been for a lack of trying. In fact, Madd Maxx is one of the tops in the NFL in pressures, and with the Titans starting left tackle out on Sunday, he should be able to get to the quarterback twice, at least.
Raiders get their first win of the season
Yes, Raider Nation, you can reasonably expect a win against the Titans in Week 3, as they are the better team and are a bit healthier. The Titans will be without their starting left tackle in Taylor Lewan, and their best edge rusher in Bud Dupree, two keys to what they like to do on either side of the ball.
Las Vegas just needs to establish the run game early, though it may be hard to do without Josh Jacobs, and then take to the air. Carr has a ton of weapons, even with Hunter Renfrow out for this one, so I would expect a big game from Adams and Waller on Sunday.