As we enter Week 8 of the 2022 NFL season, here are five Las Vegas Raiders takes to keep in mind entering the New Orleans Saints matchup.
There’s much to dissect after the Las Vegas Raiders came back to dominate the Houston Texans in the second half. Normally, you have tons of hot takes and involuntary impulses dominating headlines immediately following a Raiders game. So, now that we’ve had a couple of days to process things, here are a few takes, thoughts, and observations ahead of Week 8.
1. Did the Raiders make a mistake by not picking up Josh Jacobs’ option?
First and foremost, the topic on everyone’s minds is Josh Jacobs. He’s lighting up opposing defenses, with his most recent victim, the Texans, being unable to slow him down. Considering the tear that Jacobs is on, it’s only natural that Raiders fans are second-guessing GM Dave Ziegler.
It’s easy to be emotional about the situation and claim that the wrong player got paid this off-season. However, the Raiders are thinking long-term, and shelling out major money for a devalued position might not be the smartest decision. In all likelihood, Jacobs is going to get paid by another team. That is unless Jacobs receives the franchise tag.
2. Darren Waller will bounce back; his doubters will eat their words.
Oh, how quickly things turn around within Raider Nation. Last season, fans were clamoring for Darren Waller to receive a new deal, despite being under contract. Well, that’s exactly what he got. Unfortunately, Waller has been held back by a nagging grade 2 hamstring injury. Fortunately for him, the regular season is a long one.
Have people forgotten the attention that Waller commands? It’s hard to imagine it right now, but if you think about it, the Raiders’ offense has yet to be completely healthy and truly in sync all at once. Waller will likely not catch up to the NFL’s top tight ends, but he’ll end up with anywhere between 5 and 8 touchdowns this season.
That’s particularly true once opponents stack the box and begin to slow down Jacobs in the red zone.