Raiders Constrict Steelers’ Offense. 26-17

The Las Vegas Raiders ventured east, handing the Pittsburgh Steelers a 26-17 defeat. With that victory, the Raiders run their early record to 2-0. Meanwhile, the Steelers dropped to 1-1. In a game that featured big plays, The Raiders managed to the number of big Steelers played, en route to a surprising early-season victory. As always, the game, like an onion, continues to reveal many layers, as time passes.

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Aggressive Carr

Against a standout pass rush, Derek Carr stood up and took advantage of the Pittsburgh secondary. In averaging 10.8 yards per attempt, the quarterback carved up the defense, looking like the passer that many originally hoped he’d be. Carr looked comfortable and more importantly, eager to test the Pittsburgh defense repeatedly.

Ruggs Surfaces

For the better part of his early career, Henry Ruggs ran the equivalent of pure cardio routes. Carr found Ruggs on a 61-yard touchdown strike. For Ruggs that catch served as the cherry on top of his stellar, 113-catch afternoon. With seven targets, Ruggs flashed glimpses of the fabled Agholor routes that would highlight his speed and ability to take the top of the defense. Now, where does this lead him for the rest of the season?

Stopping Harris

While the Steelers found success in the passing game with Najee Harris, the Raiders managed to stop the run cold. Harris mustered only thirty-eight yards. Although ten carries may not serve as an accurate sample size, Gus Bradley and his defense held the Steelers to thirty-nine yards on the ground. If you make Pittsburgh or any team one-dimensional, that gives you a better shot of winning.

Meaning

The Raiders slew a dragon, First, they traveled east, playing an early game. Next, they tested a secondary, despite a ferocious pass rush. Derek Carr fumbled twice and still managed to stand in the face of adversity, without wilting. This is the kind of start that many of the Raiders faithful envisioned.