The Raiders are heading into a Week 3 trip to New Orleans, and this one comes with a different kind of challenge: their first truly hostile environment of the season. To get a better read on what Las Vegas is walking into, Saints Wire lead writer John Sigler laid out what has stood out about New Orleans through two weeks.
The biggest headline starts at quarterback, where Tyler Shough has opened the season with real momentum. Sigler didn’t downplay it when asked about Shough’s early passing numbers.
“It’s real. Shough has serious arm talent and an ability to layer passes over defenders in coverage.
Saints fans are excited to see him continue growing as more weapons (like Jordyn Tyson, eventually) get involved in the offense. But it's going to be tough for him to keep it up without Kelvin Banks Jr. at left tackle and little help from the run game.”
That last part matters, because the Saints have had to keep climbing out of early deficits. Sigler pointed to the opening script as a problem, along with the team’s inability to adjust quickly when opponents show something new.
“The Saints have done really bad job of scripting their opening series and anticipating new wrinkles their opponents haven't shown yet, like the Lions rolling out a new blitz package. Part of that is on Shough. Part of it is on Kellen Moore, who has struggled to get his offense going in the first half throughout his coaching career.”
And if there’s one area that’s clearly lagging behind the passing game, it’s the run game. Sigler said New Orleans simply has not found a way to get that part of the offense moving.
“New Orleans just can't run the football. They don't have the athletes to make defenders miss tackles, and an offensive line full of first- and second-round picks can't get right.
Outside of some scrambles by Shough and short-yardage reliance on rookie backup CJ Donaldson, we haven't seen much progress on a unit that was a major point of emphasis this offseason. They really miss Klint Kubiak and his assistants in that department.”
There are still a couple of names to know beyond the obvious ones. On offense, Sigler singled out rookie fourth-round pick Bryce Lance, a former North Dakota State wide receiver who has already made an impact in a variety of ways.
“Watch out for rookie fourth-round pick Bryce Lance on offense. The former North Dakota State wide receiver has made hay as a blocker and decoy on complimentary routes, but he also converted on 4th-and-12 in a clutch moment against Detroit (on his very first NFL reception).
Defensively, Pete Werner has really come into his own after replacing Demario Davis at middle linebacker. He's reading his keys and reacting faster, he's making plays in coverage, and he hasn't missed a tackle in either of his first two games.”
As for how this one ends, Sigler likes New Orleans despite the concerns up front. He pointed to the Saints’ growing confidence and the pressure Shough has handled so far, even while acknowledging the matchup with Maxx Crosby.
“I know I sound like a homer, but I like the Saints to win this one. They've built a ton of momentum and are taking the field with the highest expectations yet under Moore. I'm worried about the offensive line (Taliese Fuaga has underperformed after moving back to right tackle, his college position, and Maxx Crosby is a tough matchup) but Shough has played well under pressure so far.
Give me New Orleans 24-20.”
In Other News...
Saints Found An Undrafted Rookie They Already Trust In Key Spots
C.J. Donaldson hasnt needed a heavy rushing load to matter for the Saints early on. Through his first two NFL games, the undrafted rookie running back has earned steady praise from teammates and coaches for the less flashy parts of the job, especially his blocking and pass protection. On a roster where every snap has to be earned, Donaldson has shown he can help keep the offense on schedule by picking up pressure and giving the quarterback cleaner pockets.
For New Orleans, that kind of trust is a big deal this early in a rookies career. Donaldsons feel for defensive pressure schemes and his physical style have helped him stay active on third downs, where pass protection often decides whether a drive keeps moving or stalls out. The Saints still have more to learn about what he can do as a runner, but they already seem comfortable putting him in spots that usually go to players they trust most. [Read more 🡒]
Tyler Shough Faces An Early Test Saints Fans Should Watch Closely
Tyler Shough has already spent a lot of time dealing with heat this season, and not just the kind that comes with a rookie trying to settle in. He has been under pressure on a steady stream of dropbacks, a sign of both what the line has allowed and the way he plays when a play starts to break down. Even so, Shough has shown he can handle it, extending plays and keeping the offense afloat when defenders get into the pocket.
That will matter again against the Raiders, who bring a varied and effective pass rush into the matchup with New Orleans. The Saints do not need Shough to be perfect, but they do need him to keep his poise when the pocket tightens and to turn those stressful snaps into manageable ones. For a team trying to build around him, this is the kind of test that can tell you a lot without giving the whole story away. [Read more 🡒]
Saints Passing Attack Could Put Raiders To The Test Early
The Raiders head into their first hostile environment of the season riding a 2-0 start, but the challenge waiting in New Orleans looks different from the opening two weeks. The Saints have leaned on a passing game led by Tyler Shough and Chris Olave, giving them a downfield threat that can stress a defense quickly and force a secondary to hold up under pressure.
Las Vegas also has to sort through an injury hit in the back end, with starting safety Treydan Stukes out because of a concussion. That matters against a Saints team that has already shown a knack for rallying late in its first two games, which can make every possession feel heavier and every coverage mistake more costly. [Read more 🡒]