Biggest Takeaways From Raiders Road Win Over Saints

New Week, New Challenges

As expected, the Raiders' first true road game under head coach Klint Kubiak presented a different set of challenges than the first two weeks did. It was the first Sunday that many of the things that went well for Las Vegas in the season's first two weeks did not work out in their favor.

For the first time this season, Las Vegas' defense couldn't generate a consistent enough pass rush to impact the opponent's quarterback for most of the game. It allowed Saints quarterback Tyler Shough to have a productive Sunday, effectively keeping the Raiders' defense off balance for most of the day.

Still, for the third consecutive week, Las Vegas' defense held up their end of the bargain, even through their early struggles. Las Vegas' defense struggled to stop the run on Sunday, allowing 120 rushing yards through the game's first three quarters.

New Orleans ran a balanced attack, running the ball nearly as often as they passed entering the fourth quarter. It was by far the most formidable offense the Raiders have played this season, as the Saints routinely attacked the Raiders' weaknesses for four quarters.

The Saints used their ground game to set up their air attack. The Raiders may have beaten the Saints this week and the Los Angeles Chargers last week, but both teams have shown the blueprint for beating the undefeated Raiders.

Moving forward, opponents will do all they can to stop Ashton Jeanty and force Kirk Cousins to beat them, while pressuring the veteran as much as possible. Opposing offenses will run the ball often while trying to convert on third-and-short. Opponents will also run the no-huddle offense often.

Las Vegas will go as far as its defense takes them. Sunday proved that, as the unit kept them in the game when New Orleans nearly opened the floodgates early in the second half. The Saints scored two touchdowns in less than a minute of game time, taking a double-digit lead.

The Raiders' offense had trouble running the ball for most of the game, until a 36-yard touchdown run from rookie running back Mike Washington changed the complexion of the game.

Raiders' Struggles

Las Vegas struggled on both sides of the ball. Along with their ground game, the Raiders also struggled to give quarterback Kirk Cousins a clean pocket. Cousins was pressured often and sacked three times, contributing to the offense's struggles for much of the game.

Similarly, the Raiders' defense had its fair share of struggles until late in the game. The unit undoubtedly missed rookie Treydan Stukes, who clearly changes the unit in a significant way. Las Vegas figured it out late on both sides of the ball, but some concerning issues remain.

Bowers Is Back

In his return to the field, Bowers impacted the game directly and indirectly. Bowers led the Raiders in receiving, registering over 115 yards on 10 receptions. Bowers looked unstoppable against the Saints. More importantly, Bowers looked healthy.

Despite their struggles, Bowers' return showed what is possible when he is on the field. The Raiders have one of the best defenses in the league, and Bowers had his way against the unit throughout training camp. It is fair to believe he will do so against most defenses.

Bowers' lone touchdown was the one that put the Raiders ahead for good. It was a pass that may not have been completed had another pass-catcher been the intended target. It will be interesting to see what the Raiders' offense has in store next week against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Las Vegas has now won three straight games, finding different ways each week to pull out a win. It hasn't been pretty all the time, but Las Vegas' offense has still executed well enough to leave victorious, and that cannot be overstated.