Just Blog Baby
FanSided

Las Vegas Raiders beat Colts, keep playoff hopes alive

By Connor Kurpat

Jan 2, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) celebrates the game winning field goal with teammates in the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) celebrates the game winning field goal with teammates in the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Las Vegas Raiders beat the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17, keeping their playoff hopes alive.

And just like that, the Las Vegas Raiders officially have a winning season and are on the verge of making the playoffs. If you told me this was going to be the case after losing Jon Gruden and Henry Ruggs, I certainly wouldn’t have believed you. But here the Raiders are; in control of their destiny against all odds.

Las Vegas started the game off hot. Carr moved the ball effectively down the field before handing it to Josh Jacobs for an easy touchdown. The Vegas defense looked great too, limiting both MVP candidate Johnathan Taylor and former Philadelphia Eagle Carson Wentz. The momentum didn’t last, though. Carr threw a pick, and the defense gave up a touchdown before half to make the score 13-10 at half.

Things looked abysmal at the beginning of the second half, as Wentz threw a would-be interception that was tipped into the endzone and caught by TY Hilton. Carr threw another interception, but a sack from Yannick Ngakoue kept the Colts from putting points on the board. Carr and company were able to find their footing once more, as Carr hit Hunter Renfrow in the endzone on fourth down.

Indianapolis tied the game at 20 a piece with two minutes left, giving Carr enough time to move the ball in field goal range. A clutch kick from Carlson with no time left locked in a win for Las Vegas.

This win was thanks to huge performances from Zay Jones and Hunter Renfrow, who both came up huge for the Raiders. That was the first time Jones has ever hit the 100-yard mark, and that type of production came at the perfect time for Vegas. Renfrow surpassed 1000 yards receiving on the season, while also scoring a touchdown and making a clutch reception on the final drive of the game. He is only 5 receptions away from breaking Tim Brown’s single season receiving record.

Next week, Las Vegas will face the Los Angeles Charges, which will determine who makes it into the playoffs and who doesn’t. If Las Vegas hopes to win, they’ll need another big game from their offensive playmakers and their defense.

Home/Las Vegas Raiders News