One of the games of the weekend took place in Carolina with the Panthers hosting the Las Vegas Raiders. The first game for the Raiders in Sin City was a success. They picked up a 34-30 victory to remain undefeated heading into their home opener.
The Raiders squandered a lead in the fourth quarter but were able to pick up the final score of the game to preserve the victory. There was a lot happening in this game. Both offenses looked strong in the opener and there was plenty to look at post game. Here are three big takeaways from the Raiders in this one.
3. Raiders' offense looked smooth
Jon Gruden made strides in improving this offense. The loss of Tyrell Williams was a blow but Henry Ruggs III and Nelson Agholor were able to step up in Week 1. Darren Waller is an elite pass catching tight end. This all led to the offense for Las Vegas looking smooth in the opener.
Derek Carr was efficient. He finished 22-30 for 239 yards and a touchdown pass to Agholor. The Raiders did not score on their first drive, but they were able to get points on their next five possessions. The ability to put the ball in the end zone was big for the Raiders in this game. It will be interesting to see how this offense improves as the season goes on.
2. Josh Jacobs is legitimate
If there were any thoughts of a sophomore slump for Jacobs, he put those to bed in Week 1. As a rookie, Jacobs rushed for 1,150 yards and seven touchdowns. He picked up right where he left off against Carolina. In 2019, the Raiders were 7-1 when they scored a rushing touchdown. In 2020, they are already 1-0.
Jacobs finished with 93 yards and three touchdowns in the victory. He finished with 29 total touches. The game plan is simple — get the ball in the hands of Jacobs. That will be the plan all season. The Raiders will go as far as Jacobs takes them. If he struggles throughout the season, it is hard to imagine the offense playing well on a consistent basis.
1. Raiders' defense is a question mark
The Raiders' defense was able to hold their own in this game. They allowed 30 points, but that is not as bad as it could have been considering the circumstances. The secondary in Las Vegas is very young and the matchup against the Panthers' receivers was one to watch. Aside from a 75-yard touchdown to Robby Anderson, they played well. Heading into Week 2, they are just not a trustworthy unit at this point of the season.
The defense has a whole is still a question mark. They are still in need of some help rushing the passer. There is plenty of improvements that could be made but they showed toughness. Las Vegas made a stop on a fourth-and-one play late in the game to preserve the win. Paul Guenther has the defense in the right mindset which is step one. When the execution matches the mentality, they will improve but it is unknown when that will be.
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