1. Sam Darnold
Since recovering from his bout with mononucleosis, Jets quarterback Sam Darnold has shown why the Jets selected him so early in last year’s draft. The USC product has shown his composure and is maturing on a weekly basis, getting better with each snap he takes. On Sunday Darnold out dueled Derek Carr and it wasn’t really all that close.
Darnold finished with 315 passing yards and three total touchdowns, two in the air and one using his legs. One aspect of his game that is improving is his instincts to tuck it and run, rather than forcing the ball into tight windows and throwing interceptions. Darnold played mistake-free football and pushed the Jets to their third consecutive win.
2. Braxton Berrios
The second year slot receiver/kick returner broke the back of the Raiders on several occasions on Sunday, making him the second stud of the day. Primarily Berrios does his damage as a return man, as he made apparent on Sunday. He put the Jets in great field position multiple times with his returns, including one where he drew a late hit to extend the return by 15 yards.
In addition, Berrios put the nail in the Raiders coffin with his only reception of the day. Berrios took a pass 69 yards to the house on a pretty catch and run. Berrios made his brief action count and broke the Raiders down, earning himself a spot among Sunday’s studs.
3. Maxx Crosby
The only player from the Silver and Black that showed up on Sunday was Maxx Crosby, and that should come as no surprise. The impressive rookie had one sack, but should have had two if it weren’t for a horrible roughing the passer call on Maurice Hurst.
Crosby gave 110 percent on every play, something that many of the other starters on defense would not be able to say. Crosby was disruptive, both in rushing the passer and in run defense as well. The Raiders truly found a gem in the fourth round with Crosby, and he will only get better as time moves on. The reigning AFC Defensive Player of the Week put in another good performance, but unfortunately he could not solve the team’s woes by himself.