The Las Vegas Raiders’ Week 1 game against the Los Angeles Chargers produced an enticing matchup between Josh McDaniels and Brandon Staley. A veteran offensive mind against a young defensive coach produced all that fans could hope for as Los Angeles won a close one.
Cardinals vs. Raiders: What to look for
In Week 2, the 2022 Raiders will make their home debut against the Arizona Cardinals. In a game they will be entering without several key players, McDaniels’ gameplan will have to be sterling against Kliff Kingsbury.
A young, offensive-minded coach looking to bring his explosive college offense to the NFL, Kingsbury is in his fourth season as the Cardinals’ head coach. Recently signed to a six-year contract extension, the Cardinals clearly have faith in him.
Unfortunately for Kingsbury and his team, they were dismantled by the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1. After a 44-21 loss at home, they are also searching for answers in Week 2.
How the Cardinals Can Attack The Raiders
With the absence of star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins weighing heavily on the offense, they will be searching for ways to create explosive plays. The addition of Marquise “Hollywood” Brown will likely prove to be big in this one. After all, the Raiders are missing defensive backs Anthony Averett and Trevon Moehrig this week.
Overall, expect Arizona to seek out mismatches created by injuries. One of those will be up the middle after the loss of Denzel Perryman. The Raiders’ best tackler, the Cardinals, should be able to run the ball efficiently in this one.
For fantasy players, it could be a good week to start James Conner. Facing off against a Vegas defense that is already weak inside, the loss of Perryman could lead to a big game.
Overall, expect the Cardinals to employ a fast-paced, quick-hitting offense. Despite having a quarterback with superhuman talent, Kingsbury does not always use him to his full effect. As such, it will be up to the receivers to make plays after the catch.
How The Raiders Can Attack The Cardinals
The answer for the Raiders’ offense is an easy one: throw the ball all over the field. After watching Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes throw for five touchdowns last week, Derek Carr has to be salivating over the chance to play this defense in the home opener.
Simply, the Cardinals do not have anyone on defense capable of covering Davante Adams. Of course, almost no one does, but the Arizona secondary is especially thin. After a massive game in Week 1, he could be even better this week.
While Adams will be the subject of headlines, both Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller are primed for huge games today as well. With little to no pass coverage at any level, a mismatch nightmare like Waller should have a huge game.
In Week 2, the Raiders and Josh McDaniels should be able to have their way with Arizona. One of the league’s worst units through the air, Vegas is built to beat teams like this. In a game that could turn into a shoot-out, the Raiders should win this one.
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*Top Photo: Official Raiders YouTube