The Saints were able to snap their two-game losing skid with a 24-0 shutout victory over the Las Vegas Raiders to keep pace in the NFC South race. New Orleans was able to get an early 7-0 and they never looked back after that as they dominated the Raiders from start to finish. Here are three takeaways from the Saints win over Las Vegas:
Alvin Kamara, Have Yourself a Day:
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Alvin Kamara entered today’s matchup against the Raiders with zero touchdowns on the season. Kamara was putting up production in the rushing and receiving department, but struggled to find the end zone. The former Tennessee product was able to snap that streak today by racking up three total touchdowns to help the Saints offense.
The Saints offense would face a difficult task against a Raiders defensive line that was solid defending the pass, but the New Orleans offensive line was able to serve match. Kamara was both prominent on the ground and through the air. He picked up 62 yards on 18 carries and a touchdown. The Raiders continued their streak of not allowing a rusher go over 100 yards on the ground, but Kamara was able to be effective.
He would also add two touchdowns through the air and would be the Saints leading receiver on the day. Kamara would add 96 receiving yards on nine receptions for two touchdowns.
Saints Defense Shuts Down Raiders Offense:
The Raiders offense most of the season has relied heavily on their running game with Josh Jacobs becoming the first Raider to rush for over 140 yards in three consecutive weeks. That streak would come to an end against New Orleans as Jacobs only rushed for 43 yards on 10 carries.
Las Vegas didn’t cross midfield until the two-minute warning in the fourth quarter, but they were not able to find the endzone during that drive. The Saints defensive line added to what was an impressive day on the defensive side as they brought pressure to Derek Carr. New Orleans was able to get to the quarterback four times throughout the game.
The Saints held the Raiders offense in check as Las Vegas only had 183 total yards of offense on the day (145 passing yards and 38 rushing yards). New Orleans defense the past few weeks has struggled by allowing too many big plays, but they were able to lock down on one of the best wide receivers in the league.
Alontae Taylor Shines Against Davante Adams:
The Saints defense would be without two of their top cornerbacks heading into their matchup against the Raiders. Marshon Lattimore and Bradley Roby being out opened the door for rookie cornerback Alontae Taylor to be matched up on Davante Adams.
Taylor showed his capabilities by locking down the all-pro wide receiver as Adams only hauled in one reception for three yards on the day. Adams was targeted five times on the day, but Taylor was able to serve match against the veteran wide receiver.
The rookie cornerback out of Tennessee did not shy away from matching up against Adams as he was able rack up three total tackles and three pass deflections on Adams. Taylor’s performance should lock him into the defensive rotation for the rest of the season.
