The Las Vegas Raiders pulled off a thrilling 26-23 upset over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium, a game that came down to the wire with a game-winning field goal by Daniel Carlson as time expired. The Raiders' defense dominated the first half, keeping the Ravens out of the end zone, while their offense found its rhythm in the second half to overcome a sluggish start.
For the second consecutive week, the Raiders defense got off to a fast start. The unit held the Ravens out of the end zone throughout the first half, with Baltimore's Pro Bowl kicker, Justin Tucker, going 3-for-4 on field goal attempts.
Defensive Dominance: Crosby and the Raiders D Take Control
In the first two quarters, The Ravens offense appeared to have no answer for Maxx Crosby. The Condor was a force on the field, racking up 10 total tackles, four tackles for loss, a sack, and a pass deflection on the day. The defense also received valuable contributions from second-year cornerback Jakorian Bennett, who finished with two pass deflections.
Offensive Struggles: Minshew Faces Challenges
However, the offensive side of the ball was a different story. Gardner Minshew II was sacked three times in the first half and threw an interception to Marlon Humphrey. The offense struggled to establish a consistent run game, with Zamir White leading the team with just 24 yards on nine carries.
A Comeback For the Ages: The Raiders Find Their Groove
The Silver and Black got six points from kicker Daniel Carlson, who knocked in two field goals over 50 yards. The offense seemed to settle in during the second half, consistently moving the ball down the field. They capitalized on a crucial interception from Robert Spillane, turning around a 46-yard drive that ended with a touchdown run by Alexander Mattison.
The Raiders scored on three consecutive drives, including Mattison's touchdown run. A 25-yard field goal from Daniel Carlson and an RPO on the goal line to Davante Adams tied the game at 23. Adams led all receivers with nine receptions for 110 yards.
A Thrilling Finish: Carlson's Last-Second Heroics
After forcing a third-and-out from the Ravens offense, fueled by a second sack of the day by Crosby, the Raiders got the ball back with 2:27 left in regulation. With 31 seconds remaining in regulation, they turned to Carlson. A 38-yarder would seal the deal for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Looking Ahead: The Raiders Return Home
The Silver and Black will return to the desert with a 1-1 record, ready to face the Carolina Panthers (0-2) in their home opener at Allegiant Stadium.
The Aftermath: A Look at the Game's Impact
This victory is a crucial one for the Raiders, who are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2023 season. It shows that their new defense has the potential to be a dominant force in the league. The offense will need to continue to find its rhythm, but the win against a tough opponent like the Ravens gives them confidence moving forward. The Ravens, on the other hand, will be looking to bounce back from this loss and prove that they're still a contender in the AFC. This matchup was a showcase of two teams with different approaches, and the Raiders' ability to overcome adversity and capitalize on their opportunities secured them a hard-fought victory.
