Tag: Raiders vs Steelers

Raiders winners and losers in 23-18 defeat vs. Steelers

Winners and losers in Raiders 23-18 defeat vs. Steelers

The Raiders lost their home opener to the Steelers on national television Sunday night, 23-18. Las Vegas scored the game’s first touchdown but slowly fell apart, falling behind 23-7 before making a fourth-quarter push.

Down 23-15 with just over two minutes remaining, coach Josh McDaniels decided to kick a short field goal on 4th-and-4. Las Vegas didn’t get the ball back until 12 seconds remained, and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo promptly threw his third interception to end Las Vegas’ chances.

Here are the winners and losers for the week, as the Raiders made an average Steelers team look like a contender and fell to 1-2.

Winner: WR Davante Adams

Despite Garoppolo’s three interceptions, the Raiders passing game looked good in spots on Sunday night. Wide Receiver Davante Adams caught 13 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns, Garoppolo’s only scoring tosses.

Adams’ first touchdown came on a gutsy 4th-and-inches call from McDaniels. Adams caught Garoppolo’s play-action pass for a 32-yard score, giving the Raiders an early 7-0 lead. Adams caught multiple passes on short yardage as the evening went on.

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The Raiders offense didn’t score again until Garoppolo and Adams hooked up again late in the fourth quarter. If McDaniels plans to have a winning season, he needs Garoppolo and Adams to establish solid chemistry, and this game was their best effort yet, despite the losing outcome.

Winner: Maxx Crosby

When the Raiders lose and it’s difficult to find players for the winner list, defensive end Maxx Crosby usually comes through. He recorded the Raiders’ only sack of the evening and also had two QB hits.

Still, Crosby led a defense that let struggling Steelers QB Kenny Pickett get back on track with two touchdowns. With DE Chandler Jones on the NFI list and rookie DE Tyree Wilson yet to emerge, the defense may still struggle as Crosby shines.

Winner: CB Nate Hobbs

Cornerback Nate Hobbs made a big play when his team needed one, recording a pass breakup on a crucial 3rd-and-8 play late in the game.

The play gave Las Vegas the ball after a Steelers punt, down eight points with 4:46 remaining in the game. The Raiders drove down the field but had to settle for Carlson’s field goal and a 23-18 score.

Loser: CB Marcus Peters

Raiders cornerback Marcus Peters missed a golden opportunity for a pick-6 in the first half, and if that wasn’t enough, he got lost in space on the Steelers’ 72-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter. The play answered the Raiders’ opening touchdown and tied the score at 7-7.

Peters had a chance to redeem himself with the pick-6 but couldn’t convert the easy catch. He had a nice tackle for loss and a few other good tackles, but he takes an “L” on this night.

Loser: OT Jermaine Eluemunor/O-Line

Offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemunor had a tough assignment in DE T.J.Watt, but he allowed the Raiders’ first QB sack of the season, to Watt of course. Watt had two sacks, and Garoppolo got hurt as a result of the second, though the Raiders QB returned to the game.

Center Andre James and center Dylan Parham also had rough moments as the Raiders attempted to come back from a 23-7 deficit. James was beat for an easy sack and Parham was called for two penalties back-to-back. Overall, it was another awful performance from the line, as the running game struggled yet again.

Loser: QB Jimmy Garoppolo

Garoppolo threw for 324 passing yards and two touchdowns, but his three interceptions sunk the Raiders’ chances, especially the first two. He looks a little rushed in the pocket, even if he has time to throw. Perhaps inconsistent blocking is the reason for that, but Garoppolo has to perform better in any case.

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Loser: CB Jakorian Bennett

The education of rookie cornerback Jakorian Bennett continues, as he went through another week of growing pains. He had a nice pass breakup late in the first half but then committed a pass interference on the next play, giving the Steelers a first down.

Later in the game, he was training behind Steelers WR George Pickens as Pickens caught a big 3rd-and-5 conversion for Pittsburgh. Ideally for Las Vegas, this experience translates into improvement for Bennett.

Loser: Coach Josh McDaniels/coaching staff

The Steelers offense has been the subject of jokes league-wide, but they looked pretty good against the Raiders in Las Vegas’ home opener. That must sting for coach Josh McDaniels, but he can’t put all the blame on defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.

McDaniels’ offense struggled for most of the evening, and the coach didn’t even give them a chance to tie the score with a touchdown and two-point conversion late in the game. Most of all, McDaniels’ decision to kick a field goal late in the game was questionable at best.

Furthermore, the Raiders’ roster looks suspect once you get past the star power at the top. That’s McDaniels’ doing as well, as he’s built the team with his longtime friend, general manager Dave Ziegler.

The Raiders will look to even their record at 2-2 next week on the road against the Chargers. Las Vegas’ only win thus far is against an AFC West foe, so perhaps seeing another division opponent will light a fire under McDaniels’ group. At this point, they need all the motivation they can muster.

Raiders winners and losers in 13-10 defeat vs. Steelers

Raiders winners and losers in 13-10 defeat vs. Steelers

The Raiders led for 59 minutes against the Steelers in freezing-cold Pittsburgh on Christmas Eve but lost control in the final seconds, losing 13-10.

It was a familiar story for Las Vegas, as they led at the half, this time 10-3. The Raiders offense couldn’t muster any points the rest of the way. A poor rushing attack and three interceptions from quarterback Derek Carr certainly didn’t help matters.

The Steelers took advantage of Las Vegas’ lackluster effort and scored the winning touchdown with less than a minute to go. The game was over after Carr overthrew wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, who was wide open, resulting in Carr’s final giveaway. Here are the winners and losers for the week as the Raiders’ record fell to 6-9.

Winner: WR Hunter Renfrow

Renfrow delivered a vintage performance in a losing effort. After his stint on the injured reserve list, it was a welcome sight. He caught a touchdown on the Raiders’ opening drive on a pinpoint pass from Carr. After he caught the ball, Renfrow made a slick move and found the end zone.

His touchdown grab was on third down, and he made multiple third-down catches, marking the return of “3rd-and-Renfrow” to Las Vegas.

Winner: Clelin Ferrell

The Raiders defense suffered injuries to defensive end Chandler Jones and, later in the second half, linebacker Denzel Perryman. That hurt their chances, especially after Perryman exited the game.

But after Jones left, DE Clelin Ferrell was an immediate factor. He bull-rushed the pocket on his first snap in relief of Jones, resulting in Perryman’s interception. Ferrell also had a tackle for loss and batted a pass down at the line of scrimmage, forcing a Steelers punt.

Winner: CB Tyler Hall

Cornerback Tyler Hall had a couple of big moments in this game, starting with a tackle for loss early in the contest. The play forced a field goal try by the Steelers, which they missed.

He also had a pass breakup on a 3rd-and-1 play with just 4:40 remaining in the game, forcing a punt. But the Raiders offense, nursing a 10-6 lead with an opportunity to salt the game away, went 3-and-out. On the ensuing drive, the Steelers marched downfield for the winning touchdown.

Loser: CB Nate Hobbs

Cornerback Nate Hobbs was closest to Steelers WR George Pickens as he made the winning play, and that wasn’t even Hobbs’ worst moment of the evening. But he had a front-row seat for the catch and safety Duron Harmon was late to help. Also, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has to take some responsibility for the game-winner as well.

Hobbs’ worst moment was when he whiffed on an embarrassing tackle attempt on the Steelers’ previous drive. Running back Najee Harris hurdled Hobbs on his way to a 17-yard gain, setting up a Pittsburgh field goal.

Loser: G Dylan Parham

Rookie guard Dylan Parham showed toughness playing in this game, as he was on the injury report heading into Pittsburgh. He might wish he didn’t suit up though. Veteran defensive tackle Cameron Heyward dominated up front all game, mostly at Parham’s expense.

On a fourth-quarter QB sack for the Steelers, a blitz got to Carr but he evaded it, only to run right into Heyward, who went by Parham with little to no resistance. Heyward also bull-rushed Parham right into Carr for another QB takedown.

Additionally, Heyward helped halt the Raiders’ rushing attack. Running back Josh Jacobs started hot but ended up with just 44 rushing yards on 15 carries.

Loser: TE Foster Moreau

Tight end Foster Moreau had a rough stretch in the second half. First, he tipped a pass from Carr into the air, resulting in an interception. Then, he had a false start penalty on Vegas’ next drive, putting the Raiders behind the sticks. That drive ended in Carr’s second pick on a poor throw to Renfrow.

On the Raiders’ following possession, Moreau committed a facemask penalty on a 37-yard run by Jacobs. It appeared Moreau had the block completed but got his hands too high and committed a costly mistake.

Loser: Coach Josh McDaniels

Once again, coach Josh McDaniels’ squad found a way to lose a very winnable game. But he’s on the Loser list this week for one reason specifically.

Superstar WR Davante Adams had just two catches for 15 yards, and that is unacceptable. Adams is too good a player for that stat line. Especially considering that Adams is used to playing in cold weather, thanks to his days with the Packers.

It wasn’t all McDaniels’ fault, but it ultimately falls on him, as do these unsightly losses.

Loser: QB Derek Carr

I really didn’t want to put Carr on the Loser list. With the weather conditions as they are, throwing the football is extra difficult. I was even prepared to forget all of his missed throws to Adams, who was targeted nine times. I was also going to forget about his two interceptions — but then Carr threw his third, and here we are.

Renfrow was wide open with seconds to go, and Carr missed badly. Instead of leading Renfrow to the right, Carr threw a bullet that sailed right past his receiver and into the hands of the Steelers.

A completion would have put the Raiders in field goal range. Carr has proven time and again how inconsistent he is, and this game is a prime example. His laser-guided pass to Renfrow for the game’s opening score is a far cry from his terrible throw that ended the Raiders’ chances.

This game was a lot like other Raiders losses this season. The only difference was the freezing cold weather and the low score. Once again, they had a lead and blew it in the end.

Adding insult to injury, Las Vegas could have ruined a party in Pittsburgh, as the franchise celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception, the Steelers’ historic play against the Raiders that propelled Pittsburgh to eventual greatness. Instead, the Raiders’ old rival got another Christmastime miracle.

Next up, the Raiders welcome the 49ers to Las Vegas for a New Year’s Day game. Will they give Raider Nation anything to celebrate that day? Or will it be a show for thousands of 49ers fans that are sure to attend? Only time will tell, and right now, it appears time has run out on the Raiders’ season.

[lawrence-newsletter]

Raiders winners and losers in 26-17 victory vs. Steelers

Raiders winners and losers in 26-17 victory vs. Steelers

The Las Vegas Raiders made their surprise season-opening win stand up with yet another impressive performance on Sunday, defeating the Steelers 26-17 in Pittsburgh and pushing their record to 2-0.

Quarterback Derek Carr again showed mastery of coach Jon Gruden’s offense, thriving with a nearly non-existent rushing attack. As for the defense, they made their presence felt for 60 minutes, harassing QB Ben Roethlisberger early and often.

Here are the players that impacted the Raiders’ big win the most, for the better and for the worse.

Winners

Derek Carr

In reality, Carr is a winner or a loser every week. He’s the leader of the team and gets all of the credit or all of the blame.

But it’s impossible to leave him off the winners’ list after his performance against the Steelers. The Raiders tallied just 56 rushing yards behind an inexperienced offensive line beset by injuries. The absence of running back Josh Jacobs didn’t help. The pass protection was spotty, too, but it barely fazed Carr.

With the Steelers paying extra attention to tight end Darren Waller, Carr found his other options with ease. On the afternoon, Carr hit 28 of 37 passes for 382 yards and two touchdowns — one to tight end Foster Moreau and the other to the next of this week’s winners.

Henry Ruggs III

On this Sunday in Pittsburgh, wide receiver Henry Ruggs III did exactly what he’s in a Raiders uniform to do. He caught a 61-yard bomb from Carr for a fourth-quarter touchdown, increasing the Raiders’ lead to an insurmountable 23-14 advantage.

Ruggs had some other moments, too. In total, he had five receptions on seven targets for 113 yards. He also caught a crossing route and nicely eluded two defenders, showing he has more to his game than raw speed.

But that speed is indeed vicious. Carr and Gruden have a real weapon in the second-year player.

Solomon Thomas

It’s a shame that only one Raiders defender can crack the winners’ column, with an array of big performances from Las Vegas’ revamped group. But defensive tackle Solomon Thomas had two quarterback sacks, a tackle for loss, a tipped pass and three quarterback hits. He also threw in a roughing the passer penalty and an unsportsmanlike conduct call for good measure.

Team captain Maxx Crosby demands a nod here, too. His play on the edge led the way for Thomas and the entire group, showing no regard for Roethlisberger when he arrived in the backfield. Crosby laid several big hits on the Steelers’ star signal-caller from the game’s outset, good for an official five QB hits.

But Thomas had the most to gain with his performance. A former top-5 pick in the NFL Draft, he’s looking to rejuvenate his career. He took big steps toward that end on Sunday.

[lawrence-newsletter]

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