Whoah. After a convincing win over the Los Angeles Chargers, the Las Vegas Raiders are suddenly 2-0. It may be time to start looking at this season as more than just a rebuilding year. Let’s overreact!
No. 1: The Raiders are going to contend for a playoff spot…
“Playoffs?! We’re talkin’ about playoffs?!” Yes, Jim Mora, we are talking about playoffs, and we are talking about the Raiders being in them. It may be early, but a 2-0 start is nothing to scoff at, and it already gives Las Vegas a significant leg up in the playoff race.
That fast start raises several questions for the Silver and Black. Should the team look to make upgrades via trade? And what should it do at quarterback? The latter question leads to others. Should Fernando Mendoza’s development be delayed for a playoff run? Conversely, should the Raiders bring the rookie along more quickly to take advantage of his higher upside in the postseason? Those are champagne problems.
Speaking of champagne problems, one player may be forcing Las Vegas to change its depth chart.
No. 2: A star has been born in Cody White…
It turns out his touchdown-saving tackle in Week 1 was only the beginning. White made a big impact again this week, as both of his catches went for touchdowns. He earned a game ball last week, and it is clear that head coach Klint Kubiak has an affinity for the sixth-year receiver.
Las Vegas is White’s third team, and he has spent the bulk of his career as a fringe roster player. His two touchdowns against the Chargers are already double his previous career total. Yes, you read that right: Before this game, White had one career touchdown. After this performance, he may be in line for a larger role in the offense, and it could be his big break in the league.
The offense was not the only unit that stood out, so let’s wrap things up by turning to the defensive side of the ball.
Related: Is Klint Kubiak’s squad for real at 2-0?
No. 3: The linebacker overhaul was a success…
Call me crazy, but quarterback may not be the position group that received the biggest upgrade this offseason. It might be linebacker. This game was a great example of how different things are. Watching Devin White and Elandon Roberts try to run down Justin Herbert last season was torturous, but the Chargers quarterback had far less success with his legs this time around.
White and Roberts have been replaced by the duo of Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker, and they have been a treat to watch thus far. The two fly around the field and find a variety of ways to produce. The pair combined for 12 solo tackles this week, and Dean forced a game-sealing fumble. Las Vegas’ defense is still far from perfect, but it is significantly better than it was last season, and this duo is a huge reason why.
*Top Photo: Ramble Illustration/Getty Images