Raiders Snap Losing Streak with Win Over Jaguars
On Sunday afternoon, the Las Vegas Raiders hosted the Jacksonville Jaguars. With a 19-14 win, the Raiders snapped a 10-game losing streak. The Raiders losing streak was the longest active streak in the NFL. The Raiders got a boost from quarterback Aidan O'Connell, who returned from a knee injury in his first start in two weeks.
Brock Bowers Continues to Impress
The Raiders rookie tight end Brock Bowers caught 11 passes in the game for 99 yards. With his fourth game of 10 catches or more, Bowers joined Odell Beckham Jr. as the only rookie to record four games with 10 catches or more. Bowers, who has 1,067 receiving yards, is 10 yards away from breaking Mike Ditka's 63-year-old NFL rookie record for tight ends, as Ditka had 1,076 yards in 1961. Bowers did become the third rookie tight end to reach 1,000 yards in a season, joining Ditka and Atlanta's Kyle Pitts in 2021.
Aidan O'Connell Played Well
O'Connell completed 24 of 38 passes for 257 yards, showcasing his resilience and skill despite the pressure. While he did not throw any touchdowns, he did not turn the ball over, demonstrating his ability to make wise decisions under pressure. Las Vegas could not run the ball effectively, running for 69 yards on 27 rushes. The Raiders did manage to rush for two touchdowns from Ameer Abdullah and Alexander Mattison, highlighting their potential in the running game. It was on O'Connell's arm to move the ball down the field, and he did just enough to win the game. The Raiders and the defense played well, so O'Connell needed to take care of the ball.
Defense Showed Up
The Raiders' defense was a force to be reckoned with, forcing two turnovers on Sunday. Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao led the charge with 11 tackles and two forced fumbles, which the Raiders recovered to win the turnover battle. The defense held strong against the run, allowing just 3.4 yards per carry. Despite some passing yards given up and Brian Thomas Jr.'s impressive performance, the Raiders managed to limit the Jaguars to just 14 points, securing a reassuring victory.
Draft Position
With the win, the Raiders have shifted from second to sixth in the NFL Draft order. Many may argue it was a costly win, given the Raiders' need for a high pick to draft a quarterback. However, the win is a testament to the team's fighting spirit and the desire to finish the season on a high note. With two games left against the New Orleans Saints, with players with much to prove in the final games, and the Los Angeles Chargers with a tough defense, the Raiders' performance will be a compelling watch.
