Defensive Takeaways
The Steelers received the opening kickoff and marched down the field to the Raiders' 38-yard line in just four plays. But after a week where tackling was a point of emphasis for the Silver and Black, it was Tre’von Moehrig and Divine Deablo who came up big.
The duo made back-to-back tackles for loss to set up third-and-long. Steelers kicker Chris Boswell settled for a 52-yard field goal to take an early 3-0 lead. On the Steelers' second offensive possession, a false start penalty on first down followed by a five-yard tackle for loss from Moehrig and rookie defensive tackle Jonah Laulu helped lead to a punt.
Moehrig, Robert Spillane and Nate Hobbs all finished the half with six tackles to lead the Raiders.
Turnover leads to points
Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt punched the ball out of rookie running back Dylan Laube's hands to give Pittsburgh first-and-10 at the Raiders' 30-yard-line with just under three minutes to play in the half.
The turnover eventually led to a three-yard rushing touchdown from Justin Fields to give the visitors a 12-7 lead heading into halftime.
O'Connell makes first start of the year
Head Coach Antonio Pierce announced Wednesday that second-year quarterback Aidan O'Connell would start in place of Gardner Minshew II.
With Davante Adams (hamstring), Jakobi Meyers (ankle) and Zamir White (groin) all out, O'Connell led a short-handed Raiders offense down the field for a 10-play, 70-yard touchdown drive on the team's opening possession.
He started 4-of-4 in the pass game, finishing the half 10-of-15 with 85 passing yards. Alexander Mattison has accounted for 44 total yards with the Raiders' lone score of the half on the ground.
View photos from the Raiders' Week 6 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Harrison Bryant (84) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) rushes for a 3-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) celebrates after rushing for a 3-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) celebrates after rushing for a 3-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) celebrates after rushing for a 3-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) celebrates after rushing for a 3-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) and defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49), linebacker Divine Deablo (5) and linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96), cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) and safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end John Samuel Shenker (86) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) and guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) and linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Matthew Butler (91) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Nesta Jade Silvera (99) and linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) and defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Harrison Bryant (84) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Harrison Bryant (84) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Antonio Pierce on the sidelines during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson (44) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson (44) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson (44) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96), cornerback Nate Hobbs (39), safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) and linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson (83) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Alex Bachman (81) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson (83) runs after making a 9-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson (83) runs after making a 9-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson (83) runs after making a 9-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
