Las Vegas Raiders: Studs and duds from Week 2 vs. Saints
Las Vegas Raiders Week 2 Dud: Back-seven on defense
Though they didn’t register any sacks on the night, the Raiders pass-rush was able to pressure Brees throughout the night and force quick throws. Where the Las Vegas defense struggled, aside from a clutch Nicholas Morrow interception late in the second quarter, was in the back seven.
The linebackers — albeit playing without Nick Kwiatkoski — had no answer for running back Alvin Kamara, who had a monster day. More than that, the secondary, rookie cornerback Damon Arnette in particular, was picked on when Brees got the ball out to his wide receivers.
One week after conceding 30 points to the Carolina Panthers, the Raiders defense needed to show up against the Saints. Ultimately, the team got the win but the worry that this side of the ball could hurt the silver and black hasn’t gone anywhere after this contest.
Las Vegas Raiders Week 2 Stud: Bryan Edwards, WR
Outside of Waller, it’s worth noting that no Raiders pass-catcher had more than three targets or receptions on the night. Having said that, one of the training camp darlings, third-round rookie Bryan Edwards, finally made a notable appearance. He finished second on the Vegas offense in receiving with two grabs for 42 yards as both grabs went for 20 yards or more.
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While that’s not massive production, there was always going to be a learning curve for a young mid-round receiver in live-game action. Having said that, the Raiders — and every NFL team — wants to peak late in the season, not in Week 2. So for Edwards to be showing signs of life gives confidence that he is on the right trajectory moving forward.