Raiders vs Rams: Jon Gruden’s return to the sidelines spoiled by Los Angeles on Monday night

The Oakland Raiders kicked off their 2018 season on Monday Night Football, and were throttled by the Los Angeles Rams inside the Oakland Coliseum.

The Oakland Raiders played host to the Los Angeles Rams to kick off their 2018 campaign, and they wasted no time exciting the Black Hole inside the Oakland Coliseum. Quarterback Derek Carr led his offense right down the field against the vaunted Rams defense, and the drive was capped off by a stellar touchdown run by Marshawn Lynch.

In that opening drive, the Raiders did not have to deal with a single third down, as Carr was in complete control. The Rams did respond in the first quarter, as Todd Gurley II showed once again why he is one of the best players in the NFL. Gurley scored on a 19-yard touchdown catch on a shovel pass, tying the game up at 7-7.

Oakland would tack on a field goal to go up 10-7, and it looked like the Rams would come right back, as they drove right down the field on the Raiders defense. However, Bruce Irvin got a sack on third down that caused Goff to fumble, and although he did recover for the Rams, Greg Zuerlien missed the field goal attempt on the next play.

The two teams traded field goals to finish off the first half, and the Raiders went into the locker room with a 13-10 lead. During the first two frames, tight end Jared Cook was the star for Oakland, going over 100 yards receiving.

Los Angeles got the ball to open the second half, and went right down the field on the Raiders defense. However, the Silver and Black hung tough on third down inside the red zone, as Leon Hall made a nice play on a Goff pass that was just a touch too late. The Rams had to settle for a field goal, tying it  up 13-13.

The Rams closed the third quarter on a high note, as Goff hit Cooper Kupp on a eight-yard touchdown pass. It was a stellar drive for Goff and the Rams, who moved up the field without much of a contest from the Raiders defense.

Up 20-13 entering the fourth quarter, the Rams really put the game away over the final 15 minutes. The Rams controlled the football, scoring three times, including a pick-six by Marcus Peters to put the Raiders away for good.

Final Score: Rams 33 Raiders 13

Highlights

Lynch got the party started early in the first quarter, carrying what seemed to be the entire Rams defense on his back.

Gurley ties the game up on a nice run off a shovel pass from Jared Goff. The Rams started the drive at midfield, and made sure to capitalize.

The Raiders were looking to go up two scores on this throw from Carr, but John Johnson picked off the underthrown toss.

Jared Cook had a monster first half, and absolutely trucked Aqib Talib to get the first down prior to the half to eventually set up Mike Nugent’s second field goal of the game.

The Rams broke a 13-13 tie on the final play of the third quarter when Goff hit Cooper Kupp from eight yards out.

Los Angeles put  the game away with a pick-six of Derek Carr midway through the fourth quarter.

Three Stars

1. Los Angeles Rams defense

The Rams defense played up to  the challenge on Monday night, as they were able to come up with a bunch of big plays to put the Raiders away. Los Angeles intercepted Carr three times, allowing only the touchdown on the opening drive, and showed why they are a Super Bowl contender in the NFC.

2. Todd Gurley II

Every time the Rams needed a big play, they looked to Gurley, who responded in a big way on this night. Not only did Gurley rush for over 100 yards on only 20 carries, he also found the end zone through the air, as he continues to be one of the best running backs in all of football.

3. Jared Cook

The Raiders were blown out in this one, but tight end Jared Cook played a tough brand of football all game long. Cook had nine catches for nearly 200 yards in the game, leading the Raiders in receiving yards, while also providing big blocks for his teammates throughout. He led the Raiders in receiving yards last season, and was once again the main target for Carr in this one.

Next Week

The Raiders will try to get into the win column on the road next week, as they travel to Denver to take on the 1-0 Broncos. Los Angeles will head home for their home opener, welcoming David Johnson and the Arizona Cardinals to town next Sunday.