The Las Vegas Raiders lost to the Tennessee Titans 24-22 in a battle of the winless on Sunday. The Raiders record is now 0-3, and their playoff hopes in a loaded AFC are looking slim.
The Raiders played a good second half, and even were in position to tie the game, but it wasn’t good enough to overcome the Titans.
Coach Josh McDaniels said he gives credit to Titans head coach Mike Vrabel for having his team ready to play.
“They started the game way better than we did,” McDaniels said. “We are going to learn how to play a full 60 minutes, and earn a right to win.”
The main focus for the Raiders defense going into the game was to stop Titans RB Derrick Henry. During the first half, Henry got things going. He had over 100 scrimmage yards and finished the game with 143 total yards.
The Raiders offense had their chances in the first half but didn’t capitalize, giving them a 24-10 deficit heading into the break.
The defense looked completely different in the second half. Raiders DE Maxx Crosby set the tone as he wasn’t letting Henry get comfortable.
The Raiders kicked a field goal in the fourth quarter to cut the lead to 24-16. The Titans had the chance to close out the game, but the Raiders defense forced a punt, giving QB Derek Carr another chance.
WR Mack Hollins took over, getting things going with a long reception to move the sticks. Then on fourth and goal, Carr threw up a fade route and Hollins mossed the defender to score the touchdown.
McDaniels credits Hollins big game to him working hard on every play.
“He had a lot of single coverage and made some plays in the passing game,” McDaniels said. “His effort and the way he performs has been a bright spot for us.”
Being down eight points, the Raiders needed the two-point conversion to keep the game alive, as they were out of timeouts. Carr threw a ball into double coverage and TE Darren Waller didn’t have a chance to bring it in.
The Raiders drop their third-straight game. While the team has played good halves, they haven’t been able to put a full game together.
Key Performers
- WR Mack Hollins finished with a career-high 158 yards on eight receptions and a touchdown
- DE Maxx Crosby led the team with nine total tackles, one sack, two TFL, and one PD
- K Daniel Carlson finished with 10 total points on 3/3 on FGs and 1/1 on XP
The Raiders play their first division game on Oct. 2 when they host the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
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