Raiders Edge Jets Late, Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

Leave it to the New York Jets to singlehanded keep the Raiders in the playoff hunt. Through little action of their part, the Raiders escaped Met Life Stadium with a 31-28 victory. As a result, Vegas climbs to 7-5. In addition, they begin the last four games of the regular season on a high note, after a wild finish, the Raiders survived.

Redemption

All season, fans and media alike questioned the usage of Henry Ruggs. Ruggs, the round wideout, fumbled earlier in the game that the Jets turned into points. With less than thirty seconds remaining, Derek Carr found Ruggs in stride for the game-winner. If the Raiders advance to the playoffs, this catch will serve as the turning point down the stretch. For someone that appeared as an afterthought, Ruggs saved his best for last.

Make It Make Sense

With the Raiders driving, the Jets, under the direction of Gregg Williams decided to call a Cover 0 blitz. In essence, they rushed heavy with no safety help over the top. Additionally, New York decided to spy Derek Carr, forty yards from the end zone with no timeouts. Plus, the Jets lined up corner Lamar Jackson in front of Ruggs. Arguably, the Jets’ slowest cover man, Ruggs accelerated past Jackson. All Derek Carr needed to do is lay the ball down the field. Analysts leaguewide began to raise questions as to why Gregg Williams used this time to completely buck convention. Look for the chatter to continue.

Embarrassing

Lost in Gregg Williams’ monster faux pas, Paul Guenther’s defense continued to show why he needed to lose his job. A week after a depleted Falcons team marched up and down the field, amassing 206 yards. A winless team came within a sensible defensive coordinator from winning this game. No excuses. The Raiders cannot stop the run or pass. At this point, criticism must also fall upon Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock. Guenther needs 2020 to be his swan song with the organization

Meaning

The Raiders, on offense, made the play it needed to. Specifically, Derek Carr made the game-winning throw. Point blank, period. Yet, this game feels like an indictment of the entire team. The winless Jets should not head to the last minute of a game, winning. Spare us the any given Sunday. If the Raiders want to be successful, they need a defensive overhaul.