Not so good, even at one of the casinos in the vicinity.
Yet with quarterback Derek Carr playing a poised, flawless game that was balanced by a potent rushing attack led by Josh Jacobs, the Raiders (2-0) served notice that they are eager for some new results in their new digs.
More: Raiders coach Jon Gruden, Saints coach Sean Payton shown not wearing masks on sideline
Carr completed 28 of 38 passes for 282 yards with three touchdowns, while Jacobs rushed for 88 yards on 27 carries. Tight end Darren Waller was the favorite target, garnering 12 receptions for 103 yards with a score.
The game was clinched, though, with Daniel Carlson’s 54-yard field goal with 1:05 remaining.
Maybe Raiders owner Mark Davis was right. At least for one night. Davis calls the new football palace “Death Star” – as in the place where opposing teams perish.
Hmmm. So far, so good. Or snake eyes. The Saints fell to 1-1.
Three other things we learned from the Raiders’ big victory:
1. Build it and they will come — Although fans won’t be allowed to attend games at Allegiant Stadium all season, that didn’t stop a few dozen members of the Raiders Nation from showing up to christen the new home on Monday night – including one couple who parked outside the stadium with a portable TV, table and chairs. It wasn’t quite like the tailgating scene at the Oakland Coliseum parking lot, but there were a few zany characters dressed in Raiders garb, horns honking from cars with Raiders flags mounted atop and people singing, “Raaaaid-ers!” in unison.
2. The absence of Michael Thomas is glaring — Never mind the next-man-up business. You can’t take the NFL’s leading receiver out of a prolific offense and expect the unit to keep rolling along as if nothing happened. Without Thomas, sidelined by a high-ankle sprain, the Saints and Drew Brees had trouble maintaining consistent rhythm. And when a handful of Brees’ passes hit the turf because of drops, the lack of a sure-handed go-to target really hit home. Alvin Kamara is dangerous in space, Emmanuel Sanders is a crafty veteran and Tre’Quan Smith is emerging. But they are all better when Thomas is in the mix drawing extra attention from defenses.
3. Carr might have even pleased the Boo Birds in the Black Hole — When the oft-maligned quarterback played his final game in Oakland last season, he was booed lustily by some of the Black Hole patrons after the Raiders had a second-half meltdown in losing to Jacksonville. Well, if there was a Black Hole on Monday night, they would have loved Carr for keeping his cool amid double-digit deficits in the first half. Not only did Carr throw for the three scores without a turnover, he played smart football. In short, he looked a lot more comfortable in Gruden’s offense than we’ve seen in the past.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr runs away from New Orleans Saints defensive tackle David Onyemata.
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara runs against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Alec Ingold celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr throws a pass against the New Orleans Saints.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) gets away from New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore.
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith (10) is tackled by Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees throws a pass against the Las Vegas Raiders.
New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton is tackled shy of the goal line on the final play against the Seattle Seahawks.
New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton is tackled shy of the goal line on the final play against the Seattle Seahawks.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf breaks a tackle for a touchdown during the second quarter against the New England Patriots.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver David Moore (83) catches a touchdown during the third quarter against the New England Patriots.
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker (7) celebrates with teammates after kicking a game-winning, 58-yard field goal in overtime to beat the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Baltimore Ravens running back Mark Ingram (21) runs for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) runs for a touchdown during the second half against the Washington Football Team.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (25) is tackled by Los Angeles Chargers safety Nasir Adderley (24), cornerback Chris Harris (25) and outside linebacker Kyzir White (44) during the third quarter at SoFi Stadium.
Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson (24) runs for a touchdown during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals.
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) catches a pass during the third quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Baltimore Ravens linebacker L.J. Fort (58) returns a fumble for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Houston Texans.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the Washington Football Team.
Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Devon Kennard (42) sacks Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) during the first half at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) makes a catch while defended by Washington Football Team cornerback Ronald Darby (23) during the second quarter at State Farm Stadium.
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert celebrates after throwing his first career touchdown pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif.
Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) breaks away from Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Ben Niemann (56) during the second quarter at SoFi Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Chandler Jones (55) celebrates a fumble recovery with teammates against the Washington Football Team in the first half at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) scores a touchdown against the Washington Football Team during the first quarter at State Farm Stadium Sept. 20, 2020.
Dallas Cowboys kicker Greg Zuerlein (2) celebrates his game-winning field goal against the Atlanta Falcons with teammates.
Los Angeles Rams running back Darrell Henderson (27) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Josh Reynolds (11) leaps over Philadelphia Eagles safety Marcus Epps (22) after a reception during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) is tackled by Los Angeles Rams linebacker Obo Okoronkwo (45) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field.
Los Angeles Rams defensive back Darious Williams (31) intercepts the ball in front of Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver J.J. Arcega-Whiteside (19) during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field.
Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) pulls down a long reception against Detroit Lions cornerback Darryl Roberts (29) during their football game Sunday, September 20, 2020, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard (13) is tackled by Detroit Lions cornerback Jeff Okudah (30) after catching a pass during the second quarter at Lambeau Field.
Green Bay Packers cornerback Chandon Sullivan (39) celebrates with a Lambeau Leap after scoring a touchdown after intercepting the ball against the Detroit Lions during their football game Sunday, September 20, 2020, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) and outside linebacker Jerome Baker (55) tackle Buffalo Bills running back Zack Moss (20) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium.
Miami Dolphins cornerback Nik Needham (40) brings down Buffalo Bills wide receiver Cole Beasley (11) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium.
Dallas Cowboys cornerback C.J. Goodwin (29) celebrates after recovering an on-side kick in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at AT&T Stadium.
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper (19) makes a catch as Atlanta Falcons’ Isaiah Oliver (26) looks on in the second half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons receiver Brandon Powell (15) gets up-ended on a kick-off return in the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) dives for extra yards in the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at AT&T Stadium.
Denver Broncos quarterback Jeff Driskel (9) is sacked by Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and outside linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during the second quarter at Heinz Field.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner (30) falls into the end-zone for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the first quarter at Heinz Field.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) runs after a catch as Denver Broncos cornerback Bryce Callahan (rear) defends during the second quarter at Heinz Field.
Indianapolis Colts safety Khari Willis (37) intercepts the ball in the first half against the Minnesota Vikings at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) drops back to pass the ball in the first half against the Minnesota Vikings at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) passes the ball while Indianapolis Colts defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad (97) defends in the first quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver D.J. Chark (17) catches a pass in coverage from Tennessee Titans cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) and Tennessee Titans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (33) during the first half at Nissan Stadium.
Tennessee Titans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (33) breaks up a pass intended for Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Tyler Eifert (88) during the first half at Nissan Stadium.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) is sacked by Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jack Crawford (94) during the first half at Nissan Stadium.
New York Jets running back Frank Gore (21) rushes for yards as San Francisco 49ers middle linebacker Fred Warner (54) tackles during the first half at MetLife Stadium.
San Francisco 49ers tight end Jordan Reed (81) breaks a tackle by New York Jets free safety Marcus Maye (20) for a touchdown during the first half at MetLife Stadium.
New York Jets wide receiver Braxton Berrios (10) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers middle linebacker Fred Warner (54) and free safety Jimmie Ward (20) during the first half at MetLife Stadium.
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) rushes the ball against Chicago Bears outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) during the second quarter at Soldier Field.
Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) drops back to pass against the New York Giants during the first quarter at Soldier Field.
Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery (32) dives for a first down against the New York Giants during the second quarter at Soldier Field.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette (28) runs the ball against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, in Tampa, Fla.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end O.J. Howard (80) is tackled by Carolina Panthers defensive back Jeremy Chinn (21) and cornerback Corn Elder (29) during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium.
Cleveland Browns linebacker B.J. Goodson celebrates after the Browns defeated the Cincinnati Bengals, 35-30, at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow signals for a first down after running the ball against the Cleveland Browns.
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Khalid Kareem (90) tries to tackle Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
Cleveland Browns cornerback Terrance Mitchell knocks the ball away from Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green.
Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt celebrates after catching a touchdown during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Cincinnati Bengals tight end C.J. Uzomah catches a touchdown over the defense of Cleveland Browns defensive back Ronnie Harrison.
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) runs with the ball after a catch as Cincinnati Bengals strong safety Vonn Bell defends.
Cleveland Browns defensive end Adrian Clayborn (94) sacks Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.
Members of the Cleveland Browns stand arm in arm as “Lift Every Voice and Sing” is played before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Raiders open new Las Vegas stadium with statement win over Saints
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