The Las Vegas Raiders are a quality football team.
It’s true. They are.
They are doing what winning teams do. They fight through adversity and they make the big plays when needed. They are not perfect. but they have been the best team on the field in all three games.
Yes, their three opponents are a combined 1-8 to start the season, but the Raiders made the plays at the right time. That’s what winning teams do. That are Klint Kubiak’s team is a winning team.
And it’s quite fun.
Las Vegas is 3-0 for the
third time since 1991 and teams that start 3-0 have a 73 percent chance of making the playoffs. They have already equaled their win total from last season. The Raiders, who have been underdogs the past two games, are one of three 3-0 teams in the AFC, joining the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs, who they both play next month.
The Raiders scored more than 30 points in their 35-27 win at the New Orleans Saints on Sunday for the first team since 2023. The defense had four more turnovers. They scored 19 unanswered points to win the game. This wild stuff. Here is a look at all the madness:
Cousins is balling:
Raiders’ quarterback Kirk Cousins was so efficient again. He has thrown three touchdown passes in all three games and he is a big reason why this team is 3-0. He is really been impressive and he is buying Fernando Mendoza more time to develop.
Welcome back, Brock:
Raiders’ star tight end Brock Bowers made his season debut after missing two games with a knee injury. He was his brilliant self as he had 10 catches for 116 yards and s core. He is going to be so special in Kubiak’s offense. He had three catches on the first drive of the game. Kubiak couldn’t wait to get his new toy involved.
Turnover machine:
The Raiders forced four turnovers and have nine this season. They have had multiple turnovers in all three games. Nakobe Dean, who has been a great free-agent addition, sealed the game with a forced fumble for the second straight game.
Mayer contributes as well:
The Raiders used double tight ends often and Michael Mayer had three catches for 32 yards and a score. He and Bowers can do a lot of damage together.
Koonce stops up:
The Raiders’ pass-rush was quiet for most of the game. but rotational rusher Malcolm Koonce came alive late and had a forced sack and made some plays.
Hello Mike Washington Jr.:
The rookie running back flashed his big-time speed with a 36-yard touchdown run as the Raiders began their comeback in the third quarter. He had five carries for 54 yards. He has 15 carries this season. If he can provide this type of spark on a regular basis, the Raiders will be in business.
Bring on the Chiefs:
The Raiders-Chiefs game will be one of the very biggest in Week 4 and it will get a lot of attention as these two 3-0 teams battle. It will be the biggest game at Allegiant Stadium since the Week 18 against the Chargers to end the 2021 season. Chiefs fans have rountiely taken over Allegiant Stadium. That can’t happen this week.
Jeanty quiet again:
Starting running back Ashton Jeanty had 56 yards on 19 carries (we averaged less than three yards a carry) and had three cathces for 37 yards. After a big Week 1, Jeanty hasn’t made a huge impact.
Raiders win kicking battle:
Matt Gay made all three of his field-goal attempt. Daniel Carlson, who Gay replaced, missed an extra point in this kicking battle.
Third-down defense needs to improve:
The Saints converted on third down nine of 15 times. It’s something the Raiders need to work on this week.
Masses is the starter:
Rookie cornerback Zeke Masses started for the second straight week. But this time, Darien Porter, the Week 1 starter, was healthy. He missed last week with a foot injury. Masses, a fifth-round draft pick, responded by having two interceptions and winning the AFC Defensive Player of the Week award. Now, he is a true starter. Masses gave up some plays to Saints’ standout wide receiver Chris Olave but made a huge play, intercepting Tyler Shough in the fourth quarter for his third pick in two weeks.
White should get the call up:
Wide receiver Jack Bech suffered a forearm injury and NFL Media reported he will go on the injured reservewith a chance of playing later this season. The Raiders will likely promote receiver Cody White from the practice squad. He had a another touchdown catch Sunday and has three in the past two games. He has been elevated all three games and can’t play a again unless he is promoted to the 53-man roster.
Pola-Mao struggles:
The Saints attacked safety Isaiah Pola-Mao as he gave up two touchdown in coverage in the first half. He is playing with rookie starter Tredyan Stukes out with a concussion. Stukes may have a chance to return next week against the Chiefs
Big breaks:
The Saints stopped the Raiders on third down twice in a row in the red zone in the second quarter, but they were called for penalties twice. The Raiders made them pay as Cousins hit Mayer for a three-yard touchdown pass to give Las Vegas a 13-6 lead with 5:46 to go in the quarter.
First-half success:
The Raiders have led at halftime in all three games this season. According to the Raiders, it’s the first time they has happened since the team moved to Las Vegas in 2020.
Good start for D again:
The Raiders forced a three-and-out on the first drive of the game. Las Vegas opponents have not scored on its opening drive in six straight games dating back to last year. It’s the second longest current streak in the NFL.
Something new for Saints:
New Orleans led 6-3 after the first quarter. It was its first lead going into the second quarter since December, 2024.
