Keeping Up With Jones: Raiders’ DE Leads Way To Victory
The Las Vegas Raiders demonstrated resolve, fortitude, and consistent defensive improvement in the win over the Chargers.
After Derek Carr once again threw an early-game interception, it began to feel as though this had become part of Josh McDaniels’ game plan. Although it is nearly impossible and insanely reckless to intend for a team to throw an interception to start the game, the Raiders have responded well to the early adversity during the team’s three-game winning streak. It is becoming increasingly clear that a major energy shift occurred following Carr and Davante Adams encouraging the team to believe in head coach Josh McDaniels, and this change has occurred in both directions.
New Team?
While the team is playing with a fire previously unseen in 2022, McDaniels is certainly starting to get a much better grasp on his team’s strengths and weaknesses and has been making much more confident play calls because of it. Although it is disappointing how long it took for these things to click, the Raiders finding their identity for the 2022 season (and beyond) is incredibly promising. Despite still being a longshot for the playoffs this year, the Raiders have evolved into a team capable of ruining other teams’ postseason dreams, as demonstrated by their 27-20 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.
Chargers Gonna Charger
For the second time in two years, the Chargers entered Allegiant Stadium with major playoff implications on the line, only to have those hopes squashed by the Raiders pulling out a win once again. Both Las Vegas and Los Angeles knew what was on the line coming into the game, and watching how deflated the Chargers became was shocking. Whether it was Josh Jacobs or Davante Adams shredding their defense or the immaculate play from the Raiders’ defensive line as a whole, the Chargers grew noticeably frustrated on and off the field.
The Running Man
For his third straight game, Jacobs surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark, recording 144 yards and tying his third-highest total this season, as the Chargers clearly had little answer for his dominance. Adams, however, may have grown tired of not being the team’s number one star and logged 177 receiving yards, including two 30+ yard touchdowns within a four-minute span.
Woke Up When November Ended
Even with the offensive explosion from the team’s two biggest names, Sunday, December 4th, 2022 could possibly be better known as the Chandler Jones emergence game. Speaking of growing tired of living in the shadows, Jones allowed Crosby to essentially take the night off and absolutely plugged the stat sheet, recording three sacks, two tackles for loss, a pass defended, and five quarterback hits. Frustration with Jones’ lack of production, catalyzed by his sizable contract, had grown to the point of fans calling him a thief, but if he continues this level of production, he will be owed an unhealthy amount of apologies. Regardless, one game of dominance is nice, two games would be a trend, but three straight games would be a statement that the Raiders have two dominant pass rushers after all.
Dirty Deeds Done At Veteran Minimum
The stat sheet may show defensive lineman Jerry Tillery with only a mere two quarterback hits, but his aggression and ability to absorb multiple offensive linemen is playing a major role in clearing the pocket for Crosby and Jones. In the 55 minutes following Carr’s pick-six, which may have been defensive pass interference anyway, the Raiders may have played their best game of the year so far. The game was won on both sides of the ball, as the defense consistently held an explosive offense in check while the offense gashed what has been regarded as a solid defense. Regardless of the Raiders’ postseason status, the team’s future continues to grow brighter, despite moving further away from an early draft pick.
P.S. Please pay Josh Jacobs.
