For the second time in three weeks, the Las Vegas Raiders thrilled the fanbase with an overtime victory. The Raiders, down fourteen early, rallied for a scintillating victory over the Miami Dolphins, 31-28. Vegas runs their record to 3-0 on the young season. While this game sits three contests in, the Raiders show the ability to stack victories and win from behind. In years past, the team could throw in the proverbial towel, allowing the opponent to coast to a double-digit victory. However, this time, the team rallied behind sound playcalling and execution to leave Allegiant Stadium as a winner.
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- Ep. 197: Fields to Pittsburgh, Still Available Free Agentsby Full Press Coverage on March 18, 2024 at 8:00 pm
Realizing Potential?
For the entirety of his career, people knew what type of arm talent that Derek Carr possessed. Yet, through most of his own doing, the team underachieving. So far, in 2021, Carr embraces the ability to make the deep ball an option. Not to mention, the quality deep ball. You will see Carr step into the throw and letting the ball go in the face of pressure. The Dolphins shoved Andre James into his quarterback’s lap. Yet, Carr dissected the Dolphins for 386 yards and two touchdowns.
Unexpected Help
While Carr lit up the scoreboard, Ruggs, Renfrow, and Edwards carved the defense, an unexpected hero stood up. No one expected Peyton Barber to lug the ball twenty-three times, amassing 111 yards and keep the Dolphins honest. Barber ran the ball with balance, a little power, and good vision. More importantly, the offensive line cleared paths for him to glide through. Barber provided the spark that many envisioned Kenyan Drake would. In Josh Jacobs’ absence, Barber fit seamlessly into Gruden’s offense, without the slightest hiccup.
Teeth Of The Defense
Now, with a starting lineup that features Johnathan Abram, you’d expect him to be the player that incites fear. With a bit more disciplined approach, Abram ceded that title to Denzel Perryman. The wily veteran lowers the boom with leverage and force, without losing his cool, After amassing fourteen tackles, including ten solo stops, Perryman looks like an underrated offseason signing. Remember, this franchise suffered from competent line play for years. Now, they boast quite the position group.
Meaning
The Raiders fell behind and crawled back into the game. This game felt rather 34-7 early. However, the year’s edition, while early, feels different. The team did not crumble or fold after sitting down by two scores. Instead, they chipped away, stuck to the gameplan, and chose to attack with a balanced offense. These Raiders will provide fans with memorable moments. Now, they head to Los Angeles and face the Chargers.