Raiders News: Derek Carr & Josh Jacobs Excited To Play First Game At Allegiant Stadium
Allegiant Stadium
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Las Vegas Raiders are finally set to usher in a new era at Allegiant Stadium when they host the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football in Week 2.

The Raiders managed to get the 2020 NFL season started on the right foot by escaping with a 34-30 victory over the Carolina Panthers in the opener. Although the defense may still be a work in progress, the offense led by quarterback Derek Carr and running back Josh Jacobs enjoyed a productive outing with 388 yards of total offense.

Las Vegas is now looking to keep it going against a high-powered Saints team that managed to humble the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1. While the restrictions placed in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic have prevented fans from attending the game, the team is still hoping to make them proud.

Carr is admittedly excited to make his debut in the Raiders’ new home, via Levi Edwards of the team’s official website:

“I love this city, moved out here after the season, and fell in love with it,” said Derek Carr regarding playing his first game in Las Vegas. “We wish our city here of Las Vegas, we wish they could experience it here with us, I’m sure they’ll be around somewhere. I’m sure there will be a certain street or strip they’ll be on that our fans will be at.”

Jacobs added that the team is well aware of how important it is to secure a win in the home opener:

“Obviously it means a lot, not only to us but to our fans in this community,” said Josh Jacobs. Obviously, we want to get a win especially with it being our first time in this stadium, so it’s going to be huge.”

Las Vegas certainly has good reason to be excited after officially becoming the NFL’s newest host city this offseason. The onus will now fall on the team to defend their home turf for the first time in franchise history.

Carr has been vocal about letting his play do the talking for him following an offseason of speculation regarding his long-term future. He wasted no time in establishing himself as the clear-cut starter in training camp and followed it up with an efficient outing against Carolina after completing 22-of-30 passes for 239 yards and a touchdown.

Meanwhile, Jacobs picked up where he left off as one of the most talented, young backs in the league by rushing for 93 yards and three touchdowns while tacking on four receptions for 46 yards

One benefit the Raiders will have against the Saints is that their star receiver, Michael Thomas, is expected to miss the game with an ankle injury.