Raiders Insider Drops Keys to Defeating New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints welcome a formidable foe to New Orleans this weekend. The Saints get set to take on star edge rusher Maxx Crosby and the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Raiders entered the year unheralded but have quickly picked up recognition after a surprise win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Now, they are viewed as a team that can win any given game they play.

The Saints come into the game riding high after answering a disappointing overtime loss to the Detroit Lions with an impressive win over the Baltimore Ravens and quarterback Lamar Jackson. Now, New Orleans has aspirations of winning the NFC South, but not before the Las Vegas has something to say about it.

Raider analyst Carter Landis of Las Vegas Raiders on SI shared how the Raiders should attack the Saints this weekend. Per Landis, the key is to lean on the team's pass rushing strength and get pressure on Tyler Shough. Here's what Landis had to say about that key for success.

"The Raiders are getting lots of pressure, but they aren’t blitzing as much, only sending a blitz on 22.1 percent of dropbacks.

Leonard’s defense leads the league in pressure rate at 46.5 percent, with Maxx Crosby and Kwity Paye leading the way. The Saints are without stud offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., who suffered an ankle injury that requires surgery.

The loss of Banks, combined with how well the Raiders are getting home, looks good for the Silver and Black. They’ll want another game of Crosby living in the backfield."

If NFL star edge rusher Maxx Crosby and company don't bring pressure, Landis suggests it could spell trouble. He discussed the importance of preventing Shough from heating up when the Saints get the football.

"The Saints’ second-year quarterback is currently second in the league in passing yards through the first two games of the season and has led two fourth-quarter comebacks (although the first one against the Detroit Lions came up short).

Shough is proving his rookie season was not a fluke, showing poise and strong command of Kellen Moore’s offense. He and Chris Olave, who was an All-Pro in 2025, have formed an excellent connection, so the Raiders’ secondary will have its hands full.

The Raiders can't let Shough get comfortable, especially if they have a lead late in the game. That’s when he is at his best."

The key to the matchup could hinge on Shough getting rid of the ball faster than the Raiders pass rush can get to him. He will look to bring a sharp performance in the game.