Week 1 was a letdown for the Las Vegas Raiders and their fanbase. Davante Adams notwithstanding, most of the offense failed to produce come game time. Was it just a one-game thing or something to look at going forward?
The Silver and Black currently fare well against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2. They’re a 5.5-point favorite and should have no trouble disposing of the Cards. With that in mind, here are three bold predictions.
3. Raiders QB Derek Carr redeems himself
What a bad outing for the polarizing signal-caller. Derek Carr was expected to go into a shootout with Justin Herbert. But instead, he threw three interceptions, and all were avoidable. It was one of the worst games he has had in a few years. He said following the contest that he was being too aggressive and was trying to do way too much.
This week, Carr and the Raiders face a Cardinals team that gave up over 350 yards and five touchdowns to Patrick Mahomes. That has to have the whole offense licking their chops. I believe he wants to erase any memory of that bad game and will go for a big game himself.
With the weapons at his disposal, we’re going with 330 yards passing and four touchdowns. He wants to show he is the only quarterback for the team and Week 2 is when he needs to show it.
2. DE Chandler Jones will rip his former team
Chandler Jones was one of the Raiders’ biggest offseasons pickups and he was a no-show in the opener. Fortunately, he will face off against his former team, which should help him get back in a groove. Jones wants to show he is worthy of the contract he signed, and should be looking forward to hitting his former quarterback, (as long as Murray isn’t busy on Call of Duty). Jones should explode with two sacks and a forced fumble.
1. Nate Hobbs gets the first pick six of his NFL career
One of the few bright spots for the Raiders last week was cornerback Nate Hobbs. The sophomore had a whale of a game and showed why the team believes in him. Their faith was rewarded with great play including a pass deflection on third down that gave Las Vegas a chance to pull out the win.
It didn’t happen, but the chance was there because of him. However, he will get an interception against the Cards and will jumpstart a rare blowout for the Raiders. The road to a Pro Bowl nod will steam with another solid performance here.
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*Top Photo: Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal