Saints Open Home Slate Against Undefeated Raiders in Week 3
The short version
- Saints host the undefeated Raiders in their home opener after a 24-17 comeback win over Baltimore.
- Las Vegas has allowed just 27 combined points in wins over Miami and the Chargers.
- Tyler Shough has 662 passing yards and four touchdowns; Chris Olave has 18 catches for 268 yards and a TD.
- Raiders TE Brock Bowers is questionable with a knee injury; Saints DL Christen Miller is out with a toe injury.
- Travis Etienne Jr. and Chase Young carry no injury designations despite hamstring and calf issues.
New Orleans returns to the Superdome on Sunday to face a Las Vegas team that has surrendered only 27 points through two games.
The New Orleans Saints play their first home game of the season Sunday when the Las Vegas Raiders visit the Caesars Superdome. New Orleans arrives at 1-1 territory after rallying past the Baltimore Ravens 24-17 in Week 2. Las Vegas comes in undefeated, having beaten the Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers while allowing just 27 points combined.
The Saints' passing game runs through rookie quarterback Tyler Shough and wide receiver Chris Olave. Shough has thrown for 662 yards and four touchdowns through two weeks, while Olave has 18 receptions for 268 yards and a score. Olave's matchup with Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes is one to watch, as most of Olave's routes have come from outside, where Stokes has also lined up. Moving Olave around the formation could help New Orleans free him from tight coverage.
Protection will be a major storyline. Left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. is dealing with an ankle injury, putting Asim Richards in line to protect Shough's blind side. On the other side, right tackle Taliese Fuaga is expected to see plenty of Maxx Crosby, who has taken more than 80 percent of his pass-rush snaps from the left side of the defensive line. Raiders edge rusher Kwity Paye is questionable with an illness.
Las Vegas will be without safety Treydan Stukes due to a concussion, leaving Isaiah Pola-Mao next in line alongside Jeremy Chinn. That adjustment could create opportunities for Shough if he identifies coverage correctly. New Orleans is aiming to score at least 24 points for a third consecutive week.
The running back situation is settling for the Saints. Travis Etienne Jr. practiced fully Friday after a hamstring issue and carries no injury designation into the game. His ability as a receiver could give Shough an outlet against pressure, and linebackers Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker will have to defend him in space.
Defensively, tackling Las Vegas running back Ashton Jeanty is a priority for Saints linebackers Kaden Elliss and Pete Werner. Jeanty's contact balance forces frequent missed tackles, and New Orleans cannot afford to let short gains become extended drives. The interior battle between defensive tackle Davon Godchaux and center Tyler Linderbaum will help determine how much room Jeanty has. Rookie defensive lineman Christen Miller is out with a toe injury, thinning the Saints' interior rotation.
Raiders tight end Brock Bowers is questionable with a knee injury and has yet to play this season after undergoing a meniscus trim just before the regular season began. If he plays, his ability to line up across the formation will test communication between safety Justin Reid and the linebackers. Speedy receiver Tre Tucker is also a threat after catching a 42-yard touchdown against Miami in Week 2, with cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry likely drawing that assignment.
Pass rusher Chase Young, listed with a calf issue, has no game designation and is expected to play at full capacity. His matchups against left tackle Kolton Miller could be key to disrupting Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins. New Orleans also wants to force Las Vegas into obvious passing situations, allowing its edge rushers to attack Cousins and take pressure off the secondary. If the Saints protect Shough and tackle consistently, they have a path to handing the Raiders their first loss of the year.
The Raiders visit the Saints on Sunday, September 27, with kickoff at 4:25 PM EDT at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The game airs on CBS.
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