Young Raiders Defenders
This seems rather broad, but when you look at who stepped up from the defense, it was the young guys who have come under quite a bit of scrutiny this season. Early on in the game, fourth overall pick Clelin Ferrell had two offsides penalties in a three-play span, but he finished the game with 2.5 sacks. Maxx Crosby fits in that category as well tonight, as he had a costly offsides call that negated Erik Harris’ third interception of the night.
Crosby finished the night with half a sack, but he was in Rivers lap more often than not. Also, Trayvon Mullen had a solid night minus one big play given up to Mike Williams. For the young guys, this was a huge game and they stepped up to the challenge.
Josh Jacobs
What’s left to be said about Josh Jacobs, as he is everything he was advertised to be coming out of college and more. He runs with purpose on every play and has the ability to make something out of nothing. His play this season has been pivotal to the Raiders success, and that was no different against the Bolts.
Honestly, Jon Gruden should have utilized Jacobs more than he did as he finished the night with 16 carries for 71 yards and three receptions for 30 yards. Jacobs go-ahead touchdown was the difference in the game, and without him, one could argue that the Raiders would have lost on Thursday night.
Erik Harris
Hero of the night, Erik Harris’ stock is rising rapidly. With two, should have been three, interceptions, Harris’ fingerprints were all over this win for the Silver and Black. From the get go it seemed like Harris had a good read on Rivers, picking him off twice, once for a touchdown. He even tacked on a third before it was negated by Maxx Crosby’s penalty.
Nonetheless, Harris and the secondary as a whole played well tonight and nullified Rivers and the Chargers passing attack.