Game Preview: Raiders vs Saints – 9/21/2020

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Las Vegas Raiders (1-0) | New Orleans Saints (1-0)

 

The Las Vegas Raiders look to go 2-0 as they take on the New Orleans Saints in their first ever home game at Allegiant Stadium on ESPN’s Monday Night Football.

 

Viewers could be in for a battle of the offenses this Monday night as both teams are coming off high scoring wins from week one.

 

The Raiders are renowned for the outstanding, unique, and die-hard fans who show up to watch the Silver and Black. No matter where the Raiders have called home, whether it was in Los Angeles, Oakland, or now in Las Vegas, the Raiders fan base has been there through the best and the worst.

Unfortunately, things are going to look very different for the inaugural home opener this Monday. There will be no fans, family members of players, or friends allowed at Allegiant Stadium due to COVID-19 precautions. We’ll have to wait a year to see the type of home-field advantage The Death Star provides to Raider Nation. This year it’s all on Jon Gruden and the squad that he and Mike Mayock have assembled over the last two years.

 

The Vegas Raiders defense is up for one of their biggest challenges in this 2020 NFL season.

 

They go up against an offense that ranked third in total points and points per game in the 2019 season. The offense is led by quarterback Drew Brees, who needs no introduction. It is worth mentioning Brees holds the NFL record for most career pass completions, career passing yards, and career passing touchdowns.

 

The Raiders’ defensive line must bring a lot of pressure and problems for Brees to help out a young core in the secondary. A significant component on the D-line, Maxx Crosby knows, disrupting the pocket will be crucial, noting, “Drew Brees is a great quarterback, upfront we know we got to be better… We got to disrupt him; we can’t let him sit back there and get comfortable. We got to be in his face all game; we got to make plays. So we’re definitely looking forward to the challenge.”

The Raiders may catch a massive break as superstar wide receiver Michael Thomas is doubtful to play in this week’s game. The fifth-year receiver out of Ohio State controls the middle of the field to the sidelines, is a reliable asset from five to thirty yards out, and attracts defensive secondaries, which takes the pressure off the other wideouts.

Thomas suffered from an ankle injury in the last game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that could take multiple weeks to heal. There is a reason he goes by “Can’t Guard Mike.” Last year, Thomas broke the record for most receptions in a single season with 149 to go along with over 1,700 yards receiving.

With that being said, We can’t take the Saints lightly. You can not forget about dual-threat running back Alvin Kamara, who can beat defenses with his catching or rushing. Kamara is the only player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards, receive for over 2,000 yards, and be selected to all three Pro-Bowls over his first three seasons.

 

Keep up the good work O!

 

Nonetheless, the Saints’ defense is in for a challenge as well. The Raiders are coming off a stellar 34-30 win over the Carolina Panthers. 

 

Second-year phenom Josh Jacobs picked up the 2020 season right where he left off. He led his crew with 93 yards rushing to go along with three touchdowns on 25 carries.

Quarterback Derek Carr also had a notable performance with 239 yards through the air and one touchdown with a 73% completion percentage.

2020 first-round pick Henry Ruggs III finished with 55 yards on three receptions. It was a scary moment for Raiders fans when Ruggs had to leave the field in the third quarter from a knee injury. The rookie out of Alabama did not practice on Thursday and is still ruled questionable for Monday night’s game.

Offensive tackle Trent Brown underwent an MRI on his calf and thankfully did not suffer any serious injury. Brown is listed as questionable, but hopeful for this week’s matchup. The sixth-year veteran is a crucial piece on the right side for Las Vegas’ running and passing game.

 

For more information and news on your Las Vegas Raiders, visit www.Raiders.com.

 

Be sure to catch Monday night football, as the Raiders kickoff their first ever home game at 5:15pm PT, on ABC and ESPN.

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Justin Brooks – Franchise Sports Media

Twitter: @Ayyeju5tin

Instagram: @Ayyeju5tin

 

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