Key Matchups: Saints Vs. Raiders

The New Orleans Saints are heading into a big game, hosting the Las Vegas Raiders in their Week 3 home opener. While the Saints are coming off a big win over the Baltimore Ravens, this isn’t the same old Raiders. Las Vegas is undefeated and playing hard under new head coach Klint Kubiak.

With a 3 p.m. kickoff, there will be more eyes on the Saints than there has been this season. If New Orleans wants to get to 2-1, they’ll have to win these matchups.

QB Tyler Shough vs. Raiders’ secondary

NFL passing leader Tyler Shough has been nothing short of impressive after his slow start against the Detroit Lions in Week 1. Shough is averaging 331 passing yards per game and 2 touchdowns passing touchdowns. The second-year quarterback is in for a possible strong game against the Raiders, who have a young and inexperienced secondary.

For the Raiders, they have five players in their secondary with one year or less of experience, with plenty seeing significant playing time. Despite this, Las Vegas has kept opponents in a blanket and currently holds the 11th-best passing defense, allowing an average of 184 yards per game. The Raiders have also allowed just one passing touchdown over the first two weeks.

Shough will certainly be looking to get the ball to his favorite wideout, Chris Olave, and he’s likely in for a big day. But with the inexperience in the Raiders’ defense, expect the Saints to try and take advantage, hooking up on deep balls.

Saints pass protection vs. DE Maxx Crosby

The headline of the game will be the Saints’ offensive line against superstar pass rusher Maxx Crosby. With second-year star tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. going down with injury, Crosby is eyeing a big game. Asim Richards, who took over for Banks against the Baltimore Ravens, will resume his responsibilities. Richards’s transition was seamless after he took over in the win.

Despite his strong showing, with a game plan around him, the Raiders will look to exploit Richards. Keeping Shough upright is the Saints’ most important task, and it starts with the offensive line. Expect running back CJ Donaldson to make plenty of appearances in pass protection, and Crosby to be double-teamed.

Saints RBs vs. Raiders run defense

It’s no secret the Saints’ run game has been one of the worst in the league through the first two weeks. Through two games, New Orleans is averaging just 78 rushing yards per game, with Shough being the second-leading rusher.

Las Vegas’ run defense is middle of the pack through two weeks, allowing an average of 100.5 yards per game, but is coming off a poor performance, allowing the Los Angeles Chargers to rush for 127 yards on 4 yards a carry. The road to establishing itself may have just gotten harder, however, with Travis Etienne announced to be dealing with a hamstring injury.

Who Dat Nation vs. the Raiders Offense

Well, well, well, look how far we’ve come. The Superdome used to be one of the hardest stadiums to play in the NFL, but it lost some of that spark in the team’s losing seasons. Now, with the season opener being in Week 3 after a big win, expect the Superdome crowd to make a difference.

The fans finally have something to believe in, and they are ecstatic to see it in person. New Orleanians believe Shough and Kellen Moore are the start of the turnaround for the Saints, and they are playing exciting football. If the Black and Gold take an early lead, life will get extremely hard for the Raiders’ offense.