Bucky Brooks breaks down the Raiders' performance in a 26-23 win over the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Sunday.

BIG IMPRESSION

Gardner Minshew II came through in the clutch to lead the Raiders to an improbable win against one of the AFC heavyweights on the schedule. The sixth-year pro led three scoring drives in the fourth quarter, including a drive that culminated in a game-winning field goal from 38 yards. Minshew's late-game heroics capped off an impressive effort that showcased the team's talents and long-term potential. Offensively, the beat down by the Raiders silenced the naysayers questioning the team's potential with a journeyman quarterback at the helm. In addition, the late-game rally showcased the toughness and grittiness Antonio Piece has preached since taking over the job.

With defensive coordinator Patrick Graham crafting a masterful gameplan and the stars set up to make impact plays, the Raiders' rugged playing style could cause problems for future opponents.

KEYS TO VICTORY

Despite slogging through an inconsistent offensive performance, the Raiders found a way to flip the switch in the fourth quarter behind Minshew's spectacular play. The veteran helped the Raiders score 13 points in the final quarter, displaying exceptional poise and playmaking ability with the game on the line. The gunslinger's unshakeable faith in the Raiders' top offensive playmakers (Davante Adams and Brock Bowers) resulted in a unit featuring nearly two 100-yard receivers on the perimeter.

Though the defense's strong effort kept the game close until the offense got untracked in the fourth quarter, the Raiders walked out of Baltimore with a win due to an impressive display of complementary football that will make AP smile when reviewing the tape.

MINSHEW MANIA

The Gardner Minshew Experience will take fans through the full range of emotions. The sixth-year pro is known for coming through for his squad in the clutch. Despite completing 30-of-38 passes for 276 yards, the veteran finished with a touchdown and a pair of giveaways (a fumble and an interception) that put his coaches in a tricky predicament when determining how to best maximize the gunslinger's talent without compromising the team's opportunity to win. While offensive coordinator Luke Getsy toes the line with a mix of aggressive calls within a conservative approach that prioritizes ball security and risk aversion, the gunslinger's big play potential forces coaches to live with some miscues.

UNSUNG HERO

Maxx Crosby is building an impressive case for Defensive Player of the Year. The three-time Pro Bowler dominated the action with a pair of sacks, four tackles for loss and a PBU that forced the Ravens to tweak their offensive approach. The 6-foot-5, 255-pounder overwhelms blockers with his relentless energy and competitive spirit while displaying a polished game built on strength, power and explosiveness. As a one-man wrecking crew at the line of scrimmage, Crosby terrorized Lamar Jackson, forcing the reigning MVP into a subpar performance (completed 21-of-34 passes for 247 yards with a touchdown and interception, plus an additional 45 rush yards on five carries) that enabled the Raiders to stay within striking distance.

OFFENSIVELY SPEAKING

It took three-plus quarters for Minshew to crack the code that sparked an offensive explosion in the fourth quarter. The veteran finally found a groove, targeting Adams and Bowers repeatedly with the game on the line. With the Ravens unable to neutralize the dynamic duo, the offense moved up and down the field on three consecutive scoring drives that flipped the game's momentum and enabled the Silver and Black to chalk up its first win. Although the Raiders need to fix a running game that has produced the fewest rushing yards (98) and the fewest yards per carry (2.5) through the first two weeks of the season, the Raiders' ability to win an ugly game is a testament to the resilience of a veteran group.

DEFENSIVELY SPEAKING

Credit defensive coordinator Patrick Graham for keeping the game close with a clever gameplan that conceded yards but repeatedly forced the Raiders to settle for field goals early. Though the defense gave up a pair of touchdowns in the second half, the unit limited Lamar Jackson's big plays and neutralized Derrick Henry when it mattered. As a "bend but don't break" defense with star power on the frontline (SEE: Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins), the Raiders can build on a solid Week 2 performance that showcased their discipline and attention to detail against a quality opponent.