The Oakland Raiders pulled off the huge upset in London, holding onto a 24-21 victory over the Chicago Bears. Here are three players who helped facilitate the victory, as well as three others who trended downward.
Playing a “home” game on a neutral site across the pond, down arguably their top two wide receivers, and playing against a motivated familiar face, the stage was set for the underdog Oakland Raiders to enter their bye week with a 2-3 record. Even the crowd at Tottenham Stadium was a majority of Chicago Bears fans. The question wasn’t if the Bears would win, but rather by how much?
Instead, it’s the Raiders who get the last laugh, especially Jon Gruden who on this particular day, comes out on top against Khalil Mack. The Raiders defense was swarming early on, allowing Oakland to jump out to an early 17-0 lead before the half.
Yet while they let the lead slip, allowing Chicago to pile on 21 points in the third quarter alone, the Raiders did not falter. Similar to a week ago against the Colts, the Raiders found a way to close the game, sealing the win to enter their bye week at 3-2.
These three standout players helped facilitate the Raiders’ upset win in London and shined over their counterparts whose stock took a hit following Sunday’s outcome.