Raider Nation is feeling good. The Las Vegas Raiders are 2-0, coming off a home-opening win, followed by a road victory. Where have we seen this one before? Nonetheless, there’s something different about this team.
The defense is playing fast, Derek Carr is playing to his potential, and this group of Gruden Grinder’s could start 3-0, a potentially refreshing sight for Raider Nation. There’s no doubt the fans that come out to Allegiant Stadium on Sunday should be in for a treat, but here’s what could be expected, in a bold way.
Derek Carr will surpass 350 yards… Again
Is this truly a bold take at this point? He’s surpassed 350 yards in his last three games, dating to last year, and over 300 yards in his previous six games (minus the L.A. Chargers game that he didn’t complete). With that, MVP hopeful Josh Allen only threw for 179 yards against this Miami defense last week. The Bills also ran for 143 total yards. Since the Raiders have a non-existent running game thus far, you should expect the offense to butter their bread through the air, again. And Carr, this year, hasn’t had a cakewalk when it comes to opposing defenses. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens have been known for their respective defenses for years, and long-haired Carr dissected them with ease. I expect Carr to do it again.
The D-line will combine for six sacks
Following the injury to Tua Tagovailoa, Jacoby Brissett took the reins of the Dolphins offense. Let’s just say it wasn’t the best football that Jacoby Brissett has put on tape. The offensive line of Miami could probably say the same thing. The Bills defense, as good as they are, also had six sacks last week in their throttle stomping in Miami. Maxx Crosby is leading the league in pressures through two weeks, with no signs of slowing down. With a combination of poor offensive line play, and Brissett holding the rock for what seems like hours, this revamped defensive line will feast.
Bryan Edwards will top 100 receiving yards
The Dolphins corners are no easy task. Byron Jones and Xavien Howard are absolute studs on the outside. Carr has been known to shy away from his wide receivers in tough situations; see most of the Ravens game. However, I believe one of those two will be draped over Darren Waller. The other one will be looking to stifle the speed of Henry Ruggs III. That leaves Hunter Renfrow and Bryan Edwards. Two touchdowns have been called back from Edwards this year, but he has shown noteworthy ability. Edwards is going to break out. High praise from Jon Gruden and Carr before the year has led to high expectations. With that, baby Terrell Owens will start putting it all together this week.
The Death Star, the Al, the Giant Roomba of Death, whatever you want to call it, needs to be a fortress. For the 2021 Raiders to reach their potential, they have to show out at home. And these three predictions may turn out to not be so bold in front of 65,000 members of Raider Nation. Starting 3-0 would be huge for the Raiders. Exemplary performances from Carr, Edwards, and the defensive front four, will lead to a Raiders victory tomorrow afternoon.
*Top Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports