5 takeaways from Oakland Raiders’ win over New York Giants
By John Buhler
The pass rush saved the Raiders from an embarrassing loss.
What saved the Raiders more than anything was the pass rush. Though new Giants starting quarterback Geno Smith played well, getting strip-sacked twice is what ultimately gave the Raiders the victory.
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Raiders outside linebacker Bruce Irvin was able to rip the ball out of Smith’s hands on a takedown when the Giants were in certain field goal range midway through the second quarter. Oakland was able to take on three points on the ensuing possession thanks to a 39-yard field goal from Giorgio Tavecchio.
After a weird botched punt attempt deep in Raiders territory, New York was almost certainly going to take the lead into halftime. The Giants would begin that possession on the Oakland nine-yard line. Two plays later, defensive end Khalil Mack made the play of the game to strip sack Smith with 36 seconds left in the first half.
Next: Raiders sink lowly Giants, 24-17: Highlights
That could have been 14 points the Giants could have had. Instead, they came away with nothing and the Raiders were able to get a field goal out of one of those two fumble recoveries. Oakland had a big advantage with their pass rush versus a porous Giants offensive line heading into this game. By getting three sacks and two strips, the Raiders were able to move to 6-6 on the season with a win over the Giants.