Raiders winners and losers in 17-15 defeat vs. Washington

Raiders winners and losers in 17-15 defeat vs. Washington

The Las Vegas Raiders took a late lead over the Washington Football Team on Sunday but allowed their opponent to notch for the final score and win, 17-15 at Allegiant Stadium.

Quarterback Derek Carr had an opportunity for a long, desperate pass at the end of the game, but his throw fell short of the end zone and incomplete. The Raiders were lucky to even have that opportunity after their offense struggled for much of the afternoon and failed to take advantage of opportunities.

The defense played well enough to win but allowed Washington to drive down the field for a game-winning 48-yard field goal. The kick negated a 37-yard boot from Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson that gave Las Vegas a 15-14 lead with just over two minutes to go.

Here are this week’s winners and losers after a loss that put Las Vegas’ record at a very mediocre 6-6.

Winners

Hunter Renfrow 

Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow had a career game in Las Vegas’ Thanksgiving Day win, but his impact was felt even more in this game, albeit in defeat. He had nine catches for 102 yards on 10 targets, carrying the Raiders offense with him along the way.

As usual for Renfrow, most of his catches game at big moments, such as this grab on a drive that ended in a touchdown from running back Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas’ only TD of the day.

Renfrow didn’t get much help, however. The offense failed to play with the same aggressiveness it displayed on Thanksgiving. Many passes from Carr were of the short variety, especially in the first half when they scored just three points on their last drive before the break.

Malcolm Koonce

Rookie defensive end Malcolm Koonce suited up for just the second time this season and notched a quarterback sack, taking down Washington signal-caller Taylor Heinicke late in the second quarter.

His effort was vital, stoping a Washington drive that was aided by penalties by Raiders DE Maxx Crosby, on a roughing the passer penalty (Crosby drilled Heinicke too demonstratively to the turf) and a holding call on cornerback Brandon Facyson.

Nate Hobbs

Another rookie, cornerback Nate Hobbs also had a big play, an interception late in the game. Crosby got credit for the assist, as did CB Casey Hayward Jr. Each got a hand on the ball before Hobbs took control of the pigskin for his first career interception.

With the Raiders down 14-12 at the time, the play handed the ball to Las Vegas on its own 39 with 6:49 to play. But all they could muster was Carlson’s field goal, leaving the door wide open for Washington.

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