Although many believe the Las Vegas Raiders will be one of the worst teams again this season, that claim seems false so far.
This roster isn’t the same as it was last year, as Sin City improved in almost every facet during the offseason. On top of adding a brand-new coaching staff, the franchise addressed nearly every weakness on the roster.
Even with those upgrades, the Silver and Black project is to be even better once Fernando Mendoza takes over as quarterback. For now, Kirk Cousins has held down the fort while simultaneously adding to the win column. If No. 8 can cut down on the interceptions, though, the sky’s the limit for the Raiders in 2026.
The Raiders Have a Scary Defensive Line
At this instant, the Silver and Black are tied for the league lead in sacks. Not only is Maxx Crosby back to his true self, but his running mates are contributing as well. Kwity Paye, for example, has two sacks on the year to go along with three tackles for loss.
Malcolm Koonce is also returning to his pre-injury form. The 2021 third-round pick has regained his first step and the athletic bend he once showed around the edge.
The best defensive lines feature a group of players who can disrupt a quarterback, not just one, and for the first time in a long time, Las Vegas has the depth to do exactly that.
Related: How is it that the Las Vegas Raiders are 2-0?
Las Vegas’ Offensive Weapons Are Underrated
Brock Bowers has missed the first two games of the season, but his return is coming sooner rather than later. Despite the absence of their best offensive player, the Raiders haven’t struggled to score. Tre Tucker has shown his ability to create separation with elite speed, and Ashton Jeanty has developed into a legitimate receiving threat out of the backfield.
That combination makes for a difficult matchup: a team with fast wide receivers and one of the best tight ends in football. Many doubted Cousins had the arm strength to unleash those deep threats, but he put those doubts to rest in Week 2.
It’s only Week 2, and the Raiders’ offense already looks dangerous. Imagine what this team will look like once its best offensive player returns.
*Top Photo: Ramble Illustration/Getty Images