Raiders Handed First Las Vegas Home Loss vs. Bills

Final Score: BUF 30 LV 23 [L] (2-2)

Okay. Time to drive this double time on the blog home with this. The Raiders returned home after an ugly loss in New England last week. Still, it was the same old story as the Raiders couldn't rebound in a 30-23 loss to the Buffalo Bills who are riding high to a 4-0 start.

This was pretty much a repeat theme from the Patriots loss last week. A lot of points left out there on the field, but you can only do so much with so many injuries. I mentioned last week, that I wouldn't put too much blame on the defense. This week, yes they are a negative this game. They were disappointing to start. No push, no pressure whatsoever. I'm pretty sure the gameplan was not to let Josh Allen run out of the pocket because he's prone to do that when he feels pressure. But it backfired in a hurry as Allen was able to sit in the pocket and find targets with ease. 

It didn't help that the secondary was dropping like flies and coming in and out of the game to create a lot of inconsistencies. That showed on the first TD of the game for Buffalo. Amik Robertson filled in with injuries to LaMarcus Joyner and Nevin Lawson. He gets burned for a 26-yard TD to Gabriel Davis. 

The defense overall didn't play well this game. I'm not surprised that Paul Guenther is on the hot seat. What bothers me more is that I'm not seeing the impact play from Clelin Ferrell on the D-line. Four weeks into the season, I just don't see it. The fact that the Raiders reached him that high last year is still a headscratcher to me. He was a decent prospect, but definitely not top 5 pick material.

For the offense, it was the same story this game. I won't put the blame too much on Derek Carr. Although, he did fumble the ball late in the 4th to deny the Raiders a bid for a comeback. There was a lot of points left out there on the table. Untimely penatlies, drops, and a crucial fumble by Darren Waller in a one-score game cost the offense so many positive drives this game. Going back to Carr, it's not completely his fault today. He put the ball where it needed and Waller and Nelson Agholor, as solid of a game they had in the receiving game, didn't put enough effort to make a play in critical situations. Like last week, the offense was most effective in scoring during the 2-minute drill in the first half and in garbage time when the game is well out of reach.

The injuries to the offensive side of the ball is catching up to the running game, which is the Raiders' strength. This is where the extended absences of Henry Ruggs, Trent Brown, and Richie Incognito make an impact. The Raiders rushed for only 86 yards. Josh Jacobs certainly struggled to find holes to the open field with 48 rushing yards on 12 carries. He only had 2 big 10+ yards this game, but that's not saying much. It's frustrating to watch that run game struggle without Brown and Incognito on the O-line and Ruggs out there to stretch the field. As I said, these injuries are hindering on what is the biggest strength of the Raiders' offense.

As I mentioned, the Raiders get the toughest 5-week stretch to open up the season before their bye week. The only surprise was the win against New Orleans, but everything else has been expected. The last two losses, Buffalo and New England are expected go neck-and-neck in the race for the AFC East. Next week, the Raiders visit Patty Mahomes earlier than expected in Arrowhead. And judging by these recent losses, they are still far away from catching up to the Chiefs in terms of talent. But, the Raiders have to show us they can hang around for 60 minutes. Last year's matchups against these Chiefs were brutal with the blowouts. 

Most of all, next week is probably Derek Carr's legacy game. There are two black marks on Carr's career with the Raiders: his Win-Loss ratio and the fact that he's 0-6 at Arrowhead. Mahomes is everything that we expected out of Carr and more. As devoid of talent he has on the offense, Derek Carr has to elevate what he currently has around him. This week is not his fault entirely. But next week, he has to play like a franchise quarterback. No exceptions. No garbage time stats. I'll see you guys next week.

Raiders Commit Four Turnovers in Loss to Bills

Welcome in to the full recap of the Raiders' Week 8 recap vs. the Buffalo Bills where the Raiders tried to build momentum off of last week's win over Kansas City. But, they couldn't maintain it as the Raiders fall to the Bills 14-34, committing four costly turnovers.

Well, just when we thought the Raiders regained their swagger back after a dramatic win last Thursday night, the problems with this team from their last four losses manifested itself yet again. They started off on the right foot with a nice opening drive. But after that, nothing much. As I was mentioning throughout the whole game, Buffalo's weather might've played a huge factor with some rain and a little bit of wind. Derek Carr couldn't put a lot of air on his throws. Players were slipping and sliding and were having a tough time securing the ball. Those lead to the turnovers and a lot of stalled drives from the Raiders today. Then again, football is played in almost all of the elements.

(+)

Jamize Olawale, 2 carries, 3 yards, 1 TD. Olawale exiting the game was a swift kick in the groin in the Raiders' short-yardage game plan. For the time he had there, he reminded us how an effective short yardage back he is, getting the tough run on 4th down and the TD on 2nd down. Again, he could've had a quality return if it weren't for a holding penalty on Shalom Luani.

DeAndre Washington, 6 carries, 26 yards, 8 receptions, 62 yards, 1 TD. Yes, Washington's fumble before the end of the first half hurt. Before that, I made a note that D-Wash was outplaying Jalen Richard with Lynch suspended. The fumble was a big blemish, but Washington was effective most of the way, especially in the passing game.

(-)

Stalled Drives. After marching down the field in the opening drive, the Raiders couldn't get anything going. The running game, you knew it would be a non-factor with Lynch suspended. The Raiders went pass heavy in the opening drive. But the rainy weather got worse, which affected the plan in the passing game down the stretch.

Turnovers. 2 INTs from Carr. A fumble by DeAndre Washington returned for the TD. Jalen Richard with a fumble on special teams. Three of those four turnovers resulted in 13 points for the Bills. The Raiders were lucky that the defense held its own to force 6 points. Again, the weather played a factor in the majority of those turnovers. Richard and Washington couldn't secure the wet ball, especially with Richard slipping on a return. Carr struggled throwing the wet ball. The turnovers were a big factor in this loss today. And on a side note, it looked like the Raiders were unprepared to play in the elements.

Khalil Mack, 2 tackles. What was a homecoming for Khalil Mack after four years playing collegiate play with the University of Buffalo, he was a non-factor today. During the third quarter, Mack was questionably on the sidelines when the Raiders were on defense. He did get stood up by the physical play of the Bills' O-line and chased LeSean McCoy and Tyrod Taylor all game long. I'm assuming the coaching staff wanted to give him a breather. Mack did create pressure on Taylor at times, so he wasn't completely M.I.A. But, the Bills did a tremendous job in neutralizing Mack today.

MVP

DeAndre Washington, 6 carries, 26 yards, 8 receptions, 62 yards, 1 TD

Nobody deserved MVP in this game. But, Washington's selection was based on him stuffing the stat sheet. Outside of the fumble, I thought Washington was more effective running with the football than Jalen Richard. He was also effective in check down and screen passes with those receiving numbers.

Conclusion

The hole gets bigger and the margin of error gets smaller for the Raiders. Again, this dates back to the Week 3 against the Washington Redskins on Sunday Night Football. It might've been the anthem protests, but something on that night has changed the chemistry and unity of this team. Despite the win against the Chiefs, the tension was still apparent within this team. This schedule is going to get more difficult down the stretch if the Raiders continue play like this. At some point, someone has to take charge. Whether it's Carr, whether it's Mack, whether it's Del Rio, someone needs to adjust the sails on this sinking ship before it's too late. The Raiders will be camping out in Florida for next week for their Sunday Night game against the Miami Dolphins. They have to use that trip to look themselves in the mirror and straighten out all the negative vibes that is surrounding this team. Right now, division title is out of the picture. Super Bowl contention is completely out of the picture. They have to scratch and claw if they want to return to the playoffs because there's no margin of error at this point in the season. Going back to the Dolphins game, they've had the Raiders' number in the last few meetings. They're a team that's soul-searching too, but somehow they're at their very best when they play for the Raiders for some reason. For now, the Raiders just have to focus on Miami, then they have the bye week to fully straighten things out and possibly run the table. I'll see you guys next Sunday night for the game.

Week 8: RAIDERS @ Buffalo Bills 2nd Half Open Thread and Discussion

This is the 2nd half open thread of the Raiders-Bills matchup. As usual, leave a comment below the post and share your thoughts on the game.

Q4

OAK 14 BUF 34

Raiders fall to 3-5...

Stay tuned for the full recap.

Q3

OAK 7 BUF 20

The Bills are trying to go for the knockout blow on 4th down. The turnovers are killing the Raiders and swinging the momentum completely in favor of Buffalo. Interesting stats that in the Raiders' losses, they turned the ball over at least once. They've turned it over today three times. One for a TD. Two, luckily the defense held its own and forced the Bills to field goals. After the opening drive, the offense is struggling and the defense is getting gassed out, but somehow still making some good stops.

Week 8: RAIDERS @ Buffalo Bills 1st Half Open Thread and Discussion

After last week's epic Thursday night win over the Kansas City Chiefs, can the Raiders ride the momentum and run the table? This is the 1st half open thread and discussion of the Raiders' Week 8 matchup at the Buffalo Bills. Leave a comment below and share your thoughts on the game.

Q2

OAK 7 BUF 14

As I made the comment that DeAndre Washington was outplaying Jalen Richard at the running back position, the football pops out of Washington's hands into Matt Milano's hands and he runs it in to give the Bills the lead as time expired. Outside of the methodical opening drive and the Carr's underthrown deep ball to Michael Crabtree on the Raiders' 2nd possession of the game, there hasn't been much going for this offense. And if you heard CBS play-by-play announcer, Andre Catalon, midway through the quarter, Jamize Olawale is questionable with a hamstring injury, unlikely to return. That's a big blow to the Raiders' game plan in short yardage situation considering his tough runs on 4th down and the opening score. He could've had a great return to set up Carr and the offense in good field position, but the Raiders can't get a good return as long as flags are flying early, which indicates that it's going back. While there's a lot of questions surrounding the Raiders' running game, there's no questions about the Bills' running game. LeSean McCoy is having his way over the run defense and that allowed the Bills to open up the playbook a little with Tyrod Taylor scrambling and eluding the defense when pressure is getting to him. The Bills deferred and are getting the ball back. The defense has to force a quick 3 and out and the offense has to put together another smart, scoring drive. Though, the weather is playing a heavy factor right now in favor of the Bills. The 2nd half will open up shortly. 

Q1

OAK 7 BUF 0 

The weather in Buffalo is definitely affecting both teams' game plan, but not on the Raiders' opening drive. The Raiders knew that they can't establish the running game early since Marshawn Lynch is suspended and the Bills have a respectable front seven. So, they elected to go pass heavy. It was rough with a couple of drops, but Carr's pass to Cooper on third down settled things down. When the Raiders were in short yardage situations, they ran it to Olawale for good gains and eventually a TD, which was set up by a great catch by Lee Smith inside the five. Good, methodical drive to let the Bills know that the offense is back. Meanwhile, the Bills had a solid opening drive on their own, but offensive P.I. on Jordan Matthews helped the defense get off the field. Down the stretch, both offenses have been stagnant due to the rainy weather, but we'll see if the Raiders can go back to putting together another solid drive like they have on their possession of the game.

Raiders Rally and Pull Away vs. Bills to go to 10-2

Welcome in to the full recap of the Raiders' Week 13 matchup vs. the Buffalo Bills. The Raiders get to that magic double-digit number to keep pace for a playoff spot, beating the Bills 24-38 while scoring 21 unanswered points in the 2nd half.

We have to start getting used to this feeling. The way Buffalo came out of the 2nd half, things just looked bleak. It's like "welp, we gotta just forget about this game and move on to Kansas City." We're just used to the feeling that because the Raiders are down by too much, we can already sense a loss coming in. This team, they just won't be denied. No matter what the score is, no matter the situation, they will continue to fight until the end. And as a result, Carr took this game over for the offense. Mack took this game over for the defense. The legend of the 2014 draft continues to unfold before our very eyes.

(+)

Khalil Mack, 7 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery. You can't stop him, but you can only hope to contain him. If it weren't for a couple of blatant holds that the refs missed, Mack would've blown up the stats sheet more. There is absolutely no question Mack is a DPOY candidate. The Bills may have fooled him on a couple of plays, but you don't want to piss this guy off. Mack taking on the Bills' O-line and absolutely wrecking them. He forces the ball out of Tyrod Taylor's hands, setting up Nate Allen's free INT and when the Bills were driving, Mack once again strikes with a strip sack and fumble recovery to seal the deal. What a beast!

AC/DC/MC. Triple threat! Derek Carr, 19 of 35 passes, 260 yards, 2 TDs. Amari Cooper, 2 reception, 59 yards, and 1 TD. Michael Crabtree 7 receptions, 74 yards, and 1 TD. But, mostly Carr has played a big part here. Shotgun formation all day long. The offense went off to a slow start, but he still willed the Raiders to yet another offensive rally. Crabtree had a key drop for a game tying TD in the 1st half, but he made up for it with a TD to get the rally going. Coop was quiet all game long until he shakes off a defender for the go-ahead score for the lead. Coop and Crab keep showing why they are one heck of a tandem and it helps when they have a ball-slinging quarterback like Carr.

Perry Riley Jr., 10 tackles. Perry Riley is proving to be yet another waiver-wire steal away from the Redskins. The Raiders definitely missed him last week against Carolina. LeSean McCoy is a elusive runner to stop and Riley stopped them in his tracks when needed.

Running game. The Bills had a majority of control on the run game, but once the 2nd half hit, Murray and Richard hit it to another level. Murray finished with 20 carries on 82 yards and 2 TDs. Jalen Richard racked up 53 yards on 9 carries. Tay Train has proven enough he is a goal line threat with his size. But how about Richard? I thought he ran hard out there and found some really good holes and running lanes to help out the run game. Overall, the 2nd half was where the run game found its groove and Murray and Richard are building up that reputation as "Thunder and Lightning."

Mychal Rivera, 3 receptions, 57 yards. It's a crime that I didn't put Clive Walford on the positives last week because he stepped up. This week, it was Rivera who picked up the slack. I'm telling you if this Tight End position gets going, the Raiders are going to be invincible offensively. Walford had a quiet game today, but Rivera stepped up to be Carr's security blanket when Crabtree, Cooper, and Roberts were being covered.

(-)

The slow start and the start of the 2nd half were pretty much the only negatives this game. It's a testament to way this played and how they rallied to win this game. Not a lot of negatives.

MVP

Khalil Mack, 7 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery

Encore Mack! Encore! Every day we're reminded how lucky we are that Mack fell to the Raiders at the #5 pick in the 2014 draft. When it's his time to take over games, he just goes full on beast mode regardless what the stats say.



Conclusion

10-2! Back at the 1st place spot in the AFC! If I told anybody 4 years ago the Raiders would've started a season 10-2, I would've gotten laughed at and people would say I was delusional. But, this year it's definitely real. As I said before, regardless of the outcome, this team just won't throw in the towel. It's what Jack Del Rio said in the beginning of the season: last year, they knew how to compete. This year, they know how to win. The will to win is undeniable on this team. But, not a lot of time to celebrate as the Raiders have a date with destiny with the Chiefs on Thursday Night. It would've safe to assume that the Raiders would look ahead and the Bills would take advantage of that, but they just take it one game at a time. Now definitely, they can put the Chiefs on the bulletin. Despite this magical start, the critics are saying it all the time: "the Raiders can't the beat the Chiefs." "The Chiefs will jump the Raiders and steal the AFC West from them." Chiefs this. Chiefs that. We are tired of this Chiefs talk. Yes, Arrowhead Stadium is always a tough place to play at. But look, the Raiders handled the crowd noise at the Superdome in New Orleans. They've handled a lot of noise on the road and they are 5-0 on the road. The Chiefs had two weeks to prepare in the first matchup. This time around, it's a level playing field with each team coming off short weeks. The bad news though, I will not be covering this game, which totally sucks. I still have one more week into the semester and I always have a night class on Thursday. But I will find a way to keep track of this game because this is huge and could decide the AFC West. I won't see you guys on the blog, but let's go Raiders! Go into Arrowhead, shut up all the Chiefs talk, and just win!

Week 13: RAIDERS vs. Buffalo Bills 2nd Half Open Thread and Discussion

The 2nd half of the Raiders-Bills Week 13 matchup. As usual, leave a comment below to post your thoughts on the game during the half.

Q4

BUF 24 OAK 38

That was a long 18 seconds. The comeback kids. Better yet, the "Carr-diac" kids do it again and Mack showed why he's a force in the league. We should be proud of this team. It doesn't matter what the deficit is. They just won't give up and now the Raiders have willed themselves to 6 straight wins and piling onto this magical season at now 10-2. Stay tuned for the full recap.

Q3

BUF 24 OAK 23

This has been the narrative of the Raiders this season. Never count them out! The Bills came out of the gate scoring 14 unanswered points. I'll admit that was pretty frustrating to see the defense let up on those two scores. But, here come the Carr-diac kids again. Carr finds a pass to Michael Crabtree to cut the lead to eight. Jalen Richard had a good return and a couple of good runs to set up the Tay Train for a TD. All of a sudden it wen from 24-9 to 24-23. Do not count these Raiders out! Let's see if this team has another magical 4th quarter comeback in place.

Week 13: RAIDERS @ Buffalo Bills 1st Half Open Thread and Discussion

Welcome to the 1st half Open Thread and Discussion of the Raiders' Week 13 matchup vs. the Buffalo Bills. Leave a comment below and post your thoughts on the first half.

Q2

BUF 10 OAK 9

Old, reliable Janikowski with all 9 points for the Raiders. It is a much-needed field goal to cut the deficit to 1 point. The offense had some strides here and there, but they've been hampered by a pair of penalties and a couple of dropped passes. Carr did a good job using the hard count to draw the Bills defense off sides to extend the play more. Despite being limited with the shotgun formation due to Carr's injured pinky, they've put together some methodical drives, just couldn't get it into the end zone. Crabtree's drop on the Raiders' 2nd to last drive hurt. Roberts had a drop before that too. The execution is there. But like I said, penalties are nullifying big plays and of course the drops. The defense is playing really short-handed, but they're doing as much as they could preventing Tyrod Taylor and LeSean McCoy from fully taking off. Despite the goal line touchdown, the defense is not breaking. Excessive shotgun formations are definitely hurting the run game. Latavius Murray and Jalen Richard have found some holes, but the Bills' front has been stout for a majority of the game. The Bills get the ball back. Defense needs to force a quick 3 and out. The offense is slowly, but surely finding its groove and should get going in the 2nd half. The 2nd half open thread will open up shortly.

Q1

BUF 3 OAK 3

Early defensive battle in this game so far. The Raiders had a couple of big play opportunities, but as usual, penalties are nullifying those big plays. Amari Cooper had a big play, illegal formation. Jalen Richard had a big run, holding. Meanwhile the defense is bending, but not breaking, holding the Bills to just 3 points on their first drive. Nice job by Bruce Irvin on not giving up on the play after being pancaked by Mike Gillislee. But, the Bills are threatening again to score. Let's see if the defense can hold them to a field goal again.

Raiders Sneak Out With Win and Eliminate Bills From the Playoffs

Alright, welcome in to the full recap of the Raiders’ Week 16 matchup with the Buffalo Bills where the Raiders pull out in a tight one late in a 24-26 victory, sending the Bills out of playoff contention.

Well, you can erase that misleading title I came up with in the Q-by-Q post. In case nobody is aware, the Raiders have signed another 1-year lease extension at the Coliseum, allowing the team to stay in Oakland for at least one more year. But other than that, I’m still pretty angry about the Raiders allowing that TD. You can’t consider that garbage points because it opened up some opportunity for the Bills to potentially win it on a field goal, but it’s a good feeling to win the last home game of the season, especially since there’s uncertainty where the Oakland Raiders go from here once their lease extension at the Coliseum is up.

The Positives

Derek Carr, 17 of 34 passes, 214 yards, 2 TDs. Without question, Derek Carr is the franchise QB of the future. Like I said time and time again, it’s been rough for him, he doesn’t have enough help, he had the toughest schedule to cope up with and the piled up with his naysayers crying for Matt McGloin to start or ridiculously saying “bring Pryor back.” However, Carr is taking those baby steps and it has showed against Kansas City on Thursday Night, in the Battle of the Bay game, and now this game. Here, he learned when to perform in the clutch when the game is too close for comfort. The Bills are within two, Carr answers with a long bomb to Holmes and sets up a TD pass to Olawale to give the defense a nine point cushion.

Kenbrell Thompkins, 5 receptions, 90 yards. I’m surprised a competent team like the Patriots let him go just like that. Anyway, Thompkins had his best game as a receiver for the Raiders after basically being extraneous in the offense since being claimed off waivers. Thompkins’ 50 yard catch from Derek Carr set the tone on what kind of game he’s going to have and he stepped up big time when other receivers can’t make a play.

Andre Holmes, 3 receptions, 73 yards. Though Thompkins had the best game out of all the receivers, Holmes stepped it up when it mattered the most. Derek Carr was pretty much running away from the heat and just heaved it to Holmes to move the chains into Buffalo territory. Holmes may not have done much, but his jump ball catch was huge to keep the Bills on their heels.

Linebackers. Khalil Mack had 3 solo tackles, 1 assist tackle, and a sack, and he was getting pressure in Kyle Orton’s face and stuffing the run game. If this season so far does not give Khalil Mack Defensive Rookie of the Year with the way he has performed all season long, then the NFL truly hates us. Miles Burris was everywhere also, racking up 11 solo tackles and 2 assist tackles. I’m still not sold on Burris being the “Mike” linebacker, he’s better off on the outside. Ray Ray Armstrong also stepped up and had a pretty good game.

The Negatives

Missed Red Zone opportunities. The margin of victory would’ve been a lot bigger if it weren’t for those missed red zone opportunities. We’re lucky none of those red zone opportunities that the Raiders missed didn’t cost them in the long run and neither did the missed Janikowski field goal as well. That serves a life lesson to score touchdowns and not field goals, you never know when your most reliable kicker will miss it in crucial times when needed. I’m just saying, probably the only negative I will note up. The defense played solid until the Bills’ final drive. We could be talking a bigger margin of victory rather than a victory on a safety lead.

Conclusion

Well, we got another win, but I don’t know how this shakes up our position in the draft. Considering the Jets, Titans, and Bucs are still at 2 wins and the Jaguars also got their 3rd win. No matter what happens to our spot, I just hope Amari Cooper is still available on the board. I know we have many other needs, but we need a playmaker to take off some pressure from our receivers. Nonetheless, great win and the Raiders stay in Oakland for one more year. Get something done! I’ll see you guys for the Denver game next week. Stay tuned for the quick recap of the Lakers-Kings game today.

12/21: Week 16 Final Home Game at the Coliseum = Final Home Game in Oakland? RAIDERS vs. Buffalo Bills Q-by-Q Reaction

Q4:

Score: BUF 24 OAK 26

Wow, we almost blew it there. I don't know if Janikowski decided to miss that field goal on purpose since already "won" or what, but that left the door open for the Bills' playoff hopes. Luckily, Carr was able to eat up time away with the drive early on this quarter on another long bomb to Andre Holmes, setting up Jamize Olawale for the TD. Great, clutch drive by Carr, great, clutch INT by Brandian Ross, and again, great, clutch onside recovery by Charles Woodson. He still can do it all in his 17th season. We put a damp on the Chiefs' playoff hopes, we played a big part in derailing the 49ers playoff hopes even more, and we eliminated the Bills from the playoffs. Stay tuned for the full recap.

Q3:

Score: BUF 10 OAK 19

We want touchdowns, not field goals! More missed opportunities to put a lot of points on the board is leaving some window of opportunity for the Bills and it's evident the way they're driving right now on offense. However, that doesn't negate how stalwart the defense has played this quarter until the current Bills' drive.

Q2:

Score: BUF 10 OAK 13

This is why protecting a bigger lead is important. Didn't like the way how the defense decided to play it safe and set up a field goal to cut the deficit to 3. Anyway, competitive game so far. Onto the halftime report.

Q1:

Score: BUF 7 OAK 0

Epic deep ball from Derek Carr to Kenbrell Thompkins to set up the Raiders in red zone at the end of the quarter. Before that play, there was more bad than good in that quarter. D.J. Hayden got burned big time by Sammy Watkins for the Bills' lone TD and the offense wasn't getting anything going, but other than that, the Carr to Thompkins deep ball woke everybody up and the defense has done a good job holding its own since that Bills TD. C-Wood got that 60th INT, adding more to his resume as a future HOF candidate.

RAIDERS vs. Bills Halftime Post

Score: BUF 10 OAK 13

Alright welcome in to the halftime post of the Bills-Raiders game where the Raiders have a field goal lead heading into the half.

The Positives

Derek Carr, 6 of 16 passes, 105 yards, 1 TD. Derek Carr is continuing to grow before our very eyes. The Chiefs game last week is likely something to forget about, but he's doing a good job holding his own against this tough Bills defensive line. He only got sacked once. Other than that, Carr's highlight in that 1st half was his 50 yard bomb to Kenbrell Thompkins setting up a TD pass to James Jones. The offense needed a spark and Carr just delivered that spark.

Kenbrell Thompkins, 2 receptions, 63 yards. This is a continuation on that one play where Derek Carr threw a long bomb. He said, he wants to get Thompkins involved into the offense and there it was, a 50 yard pass play to set up a TD to tie up the game. He's the leading receiver for the Raiders this game so far.

Khalil Mack, 3 solo tackles, 1 assist tackle. Mack should have the Defensive Rookie of the Year award under wraps. Even though the defense as a whole is doing a tremendous job holding the Bills' offense despite giving up that Sammy Watkins TD, Mack has stood out, generating pressure and stuffing the run. He's a beast out there.

The Negatives

Red zone opportunities. The only negative I will highlight. There should've been a couple more points on the board since the run game was clicking at the right time when one of the Bills' defensive players went out.

Bottom Line

Raiders are looking towards the offseason, the Bills are trying to keep their season alive. They're playing them tough and that should continue heading into the 2nd half if they want to spoil any playoff hopes the Bills have left.