It didn’t take long for Jon Gruden to take the Mariota Mobile out of the garage. On the third play of the game, Mariota came in the game at quarterback and Derek Carr split out wide. Mariota kept it on a read-option and shot up the middle for 31 yards. It was the type of wrinkle a lot of people have been waiting to see the Raiders unveil with Mariota on the team.
Mariota on the option!#BALvsLV is live on @ESPN pic.twitter.com/YlMdz0xoV9
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) September 14, 2021
The Raiders were unable to capitalize on the play with the drive ending in a punt. In fact, the Raiders punted on each of their first four possessions. Meanwhile the Ravens drove for two touchdowns.
Late in the second quarter, Mariota’s 31-yard run was more than Derek Carr had passing the ball (29). Carr seemed to be missing open receivers and forcing the ball to Darren Waller.
Eventually, the Raiders would figure some things out and late in the second quarter drove for a touchdown of their own to make it a 14-7 game.
The touchdown was set up by a pass to Darren Waller followed by a pass interference call that put the Raiders in first and goal. Then Josh Jacobs dove in for the score.
Think D-Wall likes playing on his birthday? đ#BALvsLV | #RaiderNation | Live @espn pic.twitter.com/IUutryY1YR
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) September 14, 2021
That's 6ď¸âŁ for J²#BALvsLV is live on @espn pic.twitter.com/5MYTvycSKR
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) September 14, 2021
The Ravens seemed to have the last shot at scoring in the first half, but on 4th and one, KJ Wright shot into the backfield to stuff the run attempt for a loss and a turnover on downs.
The Raiders took over with just over a minute and drove for a field goal to pull to within four points at 14-10 at the half.
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