Scoring more touchdowns was a focal point of an abbreviated Raiders offseason, and the offense, led by coach Jon Gruden, promptly tallied 34 points Week 1 against a young Panthers defense.
But a more imposing test awaits Las Vegas on Monday night against the experienced Saints, in the first-ever game at brand new Allegiant Stadium.
Besides facing a more seasoned club this week, the Raiders could be without offensive tackle Trent Brown, who left last week’s game early with a calf injury. With or without him, Las Vegas has to worry about pass-rusher Cameron Jordan. The five-time Pro Bowl defensive end usually lines up on the offensive right side.
The Raiders’ offensive front overcame Brown’s injury last week, however, not allowing Carr to be sacked. If Las Vegas is to maintain momentum on offense, continued protection up front is a good start.
That’s because according to Carr, the Raiders have their work cut out for them at every position on the field.
“They’re talented on all levels,” Carr told reporters on Wednesday. “A lot of teams nowadays, you can find some spots where you can pick and choose where to go. They got a great secondary. And not just talking corners, they got multiple safeties that can play football at a high level. Multiple linebackers that can run and hit and their d-line is disruptive.”
Carr will no doubt keep a keen eye on Saints linebacker Demario Davis, an All-Pro in 2019. Cornerback Marshon Lattimore, a two-time Pro Bowler, patrols the secondary.
And the QB knows that after he stood upright in the pocket all day against the Panthers, the Saints’ defensive line, led by Jordan, will have a special focus on knocking him off his rocker.
“You got to put yourself in the Saints’ shoes,” Carr said. “They turn the film on, what are their coaches saying? ‘This guy wasn’t touched all week. They went up and down the field. We have to hit them.'”
The Raiders certainly figure they can hit back with running back Josh Jacobs, who had three rushing touchdowns last week. Also, Gruden must hope wide receiver Henry Ruggs III will be healthy by Monday, as he’s missed practice due to a knee injury suffered Week 1. The speedster could help loosen the New Orleans defense, opening the rushing and quick-passing attack.
“Just the threat of that speed makes people play, instead of eight yards deep, they play nine yards deep. They want to get out of their pedal faster and it opens some things up,” Carr said.
He added that when multiple defenders cover Ruggs and tight end Darren Waller, check-down throws and rushing plays can turn into sizable gains. “It’s all about yardage. That’s how we play and I believe in it. If we throw accurately, little plays like that after you show them those deep shots, the run game should be there, and accurate balls underneath, that’s what this offense has built on for years. And a lot of great players have made a living doing that. And we’re trying to do the same thing.”
The plan worked perfectly against the Panthers. Coach Gruden knows that was just one week, however. “Well, we’ve got a long way to go,” he told reporters on Thursday. “There were some good things we did; there were some things that we have to do a lot better.”
Gruden mentioned he was happy with only having three penalties and no turnovers in Carolina after having to skip the preseason. That helped the offense excel.
“We had as good a balance as we’ve ever had,” Gruden said. “We had 30 runs, 30 passes and nine different receivers. And we scored points and won the game in the fourth quarter.”
The offense could have barely played better than they did last week, and they have no reason to think they can’t do the same on Monday night, not until another NFL team slows them down. It will take another solid effort up front, aggressiveness through the air when needed, and a repeat performance from Carr and Jacobs as they pepper the defense with steady gains.
And the offense will have to remain mentally tough to maintain it’s high-scoring pace. The Saints defense is formidable, so Carr and company are bound to have a miscue or two. And the Raiders can’t let a couple of mistakes ruin their first game amid the bright lights of Las Vegas.
“I really like the next-man-up mentality, every coach says it,” said Gruden, referencing last week’s game. “We had the lead, we fell behind and we showed some mental toughness. That’s what I’m most proud of. We got a mentally tough group of guys.”
Carr steers Gruden’s offense, and he can’t blink, no matter what challenges await. He’s been in the spotlight before, however, and the Raiders’ leader on the field is ready to score some more points. “[I’m] excited for the challenge,” he said. “Any time you can play a team like this, you get excited.”