Sep 21, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) runs away from New Orleans Saints defensive tackle David Onyemata (93) during the second quarter of a NFL game at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
NFLBy Matt Clapp on

The Las Vegas Raiders — still feels weird to say — are 2-0, and opened up their new stadium with a very impressive 34-24 victory over the New Orleans Saints (4-point favorites) on Monday Night Football.

Derek Carr completed 28-of-38 passes for 282 yards, three touchdowns, no interceptions, and with a passer rating of 120.7. Carr’s favorite target on the night was easily tight end Darren Waller, who racked up 12 receptions for 103 yards and a touchdown.

Josh Jacobs didn’t have a very efficient night on the ground for the Raiders, but still had 27 carries (for 88 yards) and this punishing run late in the fourth quarter:

And the Raiders — who scored on six of their final seven possessions — put the game away with this 54-yard field goal by Daniel Carlson with just over one minute remaining:

As for the Saints, it was a fairly concerning performance by Drew Brees. The 41-year-old looked like, well, a 41-year-old at times.

It’s clear how massively valuable wide receiver Michael Thomas (currently out with an ankle injury) is for Brees and the New Orleans offensive attack. Brees will need to be much better next week (with Thomas maybe out again) to keep pace with Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers’ offense on Sunday Night Football in New Orleans.

And this win was particularly huge for the Raiders (2-0) when considering their next four games: at the New England Patriots, vs the Buffalo Bills, at the Kansas City Chiefs, and vs the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

About Matt Clapp

Matt is an editor at The Comeback. He attended Colorado State University, wishes he was Saved by the Bell's Zack Morris, and idolizes Larry David. And loves pizza and dogs because obviously.

He can be followed on Twitter at @Matt2Clapp (also @TheBlogfines for Cubs/MLB tweets and @DaBearNecess for Bears/NFL tweets), and can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.

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