The Las Vegas Raiders have opened the season as one of the NFL’s most impressive teams through two weeks. The New Orleans Saints have been equally encouraging, however, creating a potentially difficult test for Las Vegas.
A major factor could be the deafening noise inside the Caesars Superdome.
Following the Raiders’ final practice of the week and ahead of their trip to New Orleans, Kubiak discussed the challenge of playing on the road inside the Superdome.
“You can prep them as much as you want, but once you get there to an environment like that, it’s a whole new ballgame,” Kubiak said. “It’s a great environment to play.”
Both the Raiders and Saints have considerably more reason for optimism than they have had at any point over the past four seasons.
Las Vegas is 2-0 for the first time since 2021. New Orleans, meanwhile, is coming off an impressive 24-17 win over the Baltimore Ravens after nearly securing an overtime victory against the Detroit Lions in Week 1.
Much of the Saints’ early success can be attributed to second-year head coach Kellen Moore and quarterback Tyler Shough.
Through the opening weeks of the season, Shough has passed for 662 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions.
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With the Saints playing improved football, Kubiak expects their fan base to create a difficult atmosphere for the Raiders on Sunday.
“That’s what makes the NFL so fun is environments like this,” Kubiak said.
The Raiders’ early success has also been built on several of the same foundations driving New Orleans’ strong start.
Kubiak, in his first season as an NFL head coach, has introduced a fresh and dynamic approach to play-calling that is producing results for Las Vegas.
Four-time Pro Bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins has also started quickly, completing 67.8% of his passes for 413 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions.
The Raiders’ offseason focus on strengthening the offensive line is beginning to pay off. Highly sought-after free-agent center Tyler Linderbaum and Spencer Burford have helped improve the unit up front.
Second-year running back Ashton Jeanty has also become a bigger part of the offense. He has rushed for 150 yards while adding 10 receptions for 60 yards and two touchdowns through the air.
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