After a heartbreaking defeat two weeks ago, the Las Vegas Raiders were finally back in action this week. At home against the Houston Texans, Las Vegas was faced with a must-win game. With the Texans possessing just one win thus far, this was the perfect game for the team to get it right. While the story in this one centers on running back Josh Jacobs, this was how the passing game fared.
Derek Carr continues his effectiveness
Last week, Carr had perhaps his best game of the season against Kansas City, with 241 yards and two touchdown passes. This week, he had a strikingly similar stat line with 241 yards and a touchdown. While these were quite easily his two best games of the season, much of that can be traced back to his aggressiveness. Over the first four weeks, his yards per attempt never got over eight. However, he has been north of that number in both of the last two games, which has reflected in his passer rating.
Truthfully, Carr made some throws in this game that he would not have attempted in the first month. The first of which was the touchdown pass to Mack Hollins. Splitting the safeties over the middle, Carr put it up to Hollins and let him make a play. A momentum-changing play, it’s easily one of Carr’s best passes of the season so far.
AND THAT'S A STRIKE 🎳@mackhollins with the TD!
📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/KKL5SE84UJ
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) October 23, 2022
Later in the game, he would make another fantastic play when he hit Renfrow while on the move. Certainly not his best throw ever, but the willingness to make plays out of structure was certainly nice to see. All of that said, Carr still has work to do. Extending the play with his legs has to be a focal point moving forward, as that’s really all he needs to become one of the league’s best quarterbacks.
The wide receivers are healthy (and not suspended)
For the first time in a long time, slot wide receiver Hunter Renfrow actually looked like himself. With three catches for 55 yards, he played a complementary role to Davante Adams. Although he had a brilliant season a year ago, this will likely be Renfrow’s role moving forward. If he stays healthy, he will thrive there as well.
The aforementioned Hollins was active for this one and, once again, made a huge play to give the team a boost. A constant source of energy, Hollins has emerged as one of Carr’s most reliable targets. In short, he catches everything, scores touchdowns, and lets the defense know about it. With two receptions for 44 yards and a touchdown in this one, he did his job well.
Of course, Davante Adams once again did his thing. While awaiting a verdict from the NFL for his actions following the Chiefs game, he had another dominant outing. Finishing with eight receptions for 95 yards, it was just another day at the office for the league’s best receiver. On pace for a career-high in receiving yards, his first year in Vegas has been as good as any other in his career.
On to New Orleans
Finally, it appears the Raiders’ offense has found its footing. With Jacobs having perhaps the best season of any running back in the league, the passing game has looked more dynamic and lethal with every game. Also, kudos to head coach Josh McDaniels, who has put together two weeks in a row a perfect offensive plan.
Going forward, the Raiders have reinforcements on the way in the form of Darren Waller. Still one of the game’s best tight ends, he should add even more explosiveness when healthy. As Vegas heads to New Orleans to face off with a struggling Saints team, the Raiders badly need to go on a winning streak. With a returning Waller and a new-found offensive balance, they appear to be on their way.
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*Top Photo: Raiders Official YouTube Channel