Las Vegas Raiders utilized total team effort in win against Baltimore
By CJ Errickson
The Las Vegas Raiders beat the Baltimore Ravens in overtime to close out Week 1, and it was a total team effort by the Silver and Black.
The opening game for the Las Vegas Raiders in Allegiant Stadium did not disappoint. A roller-coaster-like overtime victory against the Baltimore Ravens has the Raiders starting out on the right foot to start the 2021 season. While many pundits and fans had doubts about their chances against the Baltimore Ravens, the Silver and Black never gave up.
A variety of players on Monday night in all phases showed sheer determination in willing the team to a 33-27 win.
Derek Carr came through for the Raiders offense when it mattered most
While Las Vegas Raiders starting quarterback Derek Carr has received relentless criticism, he quite literally put his critics to bed on Monday night.
While he may have started the night with some inaccurate throws, Carr came through for the Raiders in the 4th quarter and overtime. In addition to Derek’s stellar play, Darren Waller made the most of his birthday on Monday night, as he had ten receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown.
Moreover, second-year receiver Bryan Edwards also showed up late to the party in Sin City. He was a pivotal cog in the Raider drive, which led to Daniel Carlson’s game-tying field goal, which sent the game to overtime. While the offense and Daniel Carlson shined, it was not without the defense’s help.
The defense was relentless all night long
Going up against a player of Lamar Jackson’s caliber is no simple task. However, both Maxx Crosby and Yannick Ngakoue made the Baltimore Ravens offense feel their presence consistently all night long. In addition, the entire defensive front was firing on all cylinders, and the player with the most crucial play of the game was defensive end Carl Nassib.
Ultimately, Nassib’s play set up Las Vegas’ game-winning drive in overtime. Which led to an absolute party in Allegiant Stadium. The Silver and Black showed a total team effort, which is a welcome sign for things to come this season.