For the second time in two weeks, the Oakland Raiders are on the road, this time at M&T Bank Stadium to take on the Baltimore Ravens Sunday afternoon.
Both teams are coming off wins in their respective Week 3 matchups, and the Ravens are actually one of just five undefeated teams left in the NFL coming into Sunday's action.
Pregame
Following Friday's practice, Head Coach Jack Del Rio ruled safety Nate Allen, tackle Austin Howard, and tackle Menelik Watson "out" for Sunday's game against the Ravens due to injury.
The other four inactive players were quarterback Connor Cook, running back Taiwan Jones, cornerback Antonio Hamilton, and tackle Matt McCants.
The captains for Sunday's matchup were quarterback Derek Carr, safety Brynden Trawick, safety Reggie Nelson, center Rodney Hudson, defensive end Khalil Mack, and guard/tackle Kelechi Osemele.
The Ravens won the opening coin toss, and elected to defer to the second half.
First Quarter
As expected, rookie lineman Vadal Alexander earned the start at right tackle; however, on the Raiders first offensive possession of the afternoon, Derek Carr and Co. couldn't secure a first down, and went three-and-out.
Although the Raiders were forced to punt early on their first possession, so were the Ravens, as their first offensive drive resulted in as a punt as well.
After trading punts for most of the first quarter, the Raiders struck first, taking advantage of an impressive 47-yard punt return by rookie running back Jalen Richard that set them up at the Ravens seven-yard line.
Following the punt return, Carr didn't waste any time finding the end zone, connecting with wide receiver Seth Roberts on a seven-yard touchdown pass to put the first points of the day on the board.
Sebastian Janikowski added the PAT, and with 1:25 left in the first quarter, the Raiders led 7-0.
With the Ravens offense on the move, the first quarter came to a close with the Silver and Black still holding onto a 7-0 lead.
Second Quarter
While the Ravens were able to drive deep into Raiders territory, Flacco wasn't able to find the end zone, and Baltimore had to settle for a 24-yard field goal to make the score 7-3 with 12:51 left in the half.
Defensively, the Raiders have looked impressive, as linebacker Cory James has secured several impressive open-field tackles, and while Mack hasn't yet secured a tackle, he's certainly making his presence felt regularly.
Most importantly, the Silver and Black have kept the Ravens out of the end zone thus far.
The Raiders have been able to add to their lead, as Carr engineered a nine-play, 80-yard drive that was punctuated by a five-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Michael Crabtree.
Janikowski added the PAT, so with 4:09 left in the second quarter, the Raiders lead was 14-3.
INJURY UPDATE: Tight end Lee Smith is questionable to return with an ankle injury.
However, the Ravens were able to put up a few points before halftime, in the form of a Justin Tucker field goal, driving down the field in the final moments of the half to make the score 14-6, and that score stood as the teams headed to the locker room.
The Ravens will receive the ball to start the second half.
Third Quarter
The Raiders forced a Baltimore punt on the Ravens first offensive series of the second half, but the Silver and Black were also unable to put up any points during their first series of the half.
The Ravens marched down the field later in the third quarter, completing a 13-play, 72-yard drive with a Flacco quarterback sneak on 4th and 1.
Following the score, Head Coach John Harbaugh elected to go for two, but Flacco's pass was intercepted in the end zone by Sean Smith.
With 2:41 left in the third quarter, the Raiders still lead 14-12.
Fourth Quarter
The Silver and Black needed someone to make a defensive play, and Bruce Irvin answered the call, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Denico Autry with the Ravens driving into Raiders territory.
On the ensuing possession, the Raiders were forced into 4th and inches, and after forgoing a field goal attempt, Carr drew the Ravens defense offsides, and earned the Silver and Black a fresh set of downs.
The offense took advantage, as Carr found Crabtree yet in the end zone yet again, this time for a 13-yard touchdown.
Janikowski added the PAT to extend the Raiders lead to 21-12 with 11:11 left in regulation.
By the way, we can all stop talking about how Khalil Mack hasn't registered a sack yet.
With 9:24 left in the first half, Mack got to Joe Flacco, taking down the quarterback for a much-needed loss of seven.
The Ravens would not be going quietly though, as Baltimore has now pulled within two after Flacco found Steve Smith Sr. on a 52-yard touchdown reception.
After the PAT, the Raiders now lead 21-19 with 6:27 left in the game.
With 5:35 left in the game, rookie running back DeAndré Washington fumbled the ball, and the Ravens have taken over at the Raiders 17-yard line.
The Ravens found the end zone three plays later, with Terrance West rushing up the middle for a gain of three. After the converted two-point conversion, Baltimore leads 27-21 with 3:36 left in the fourth quarter.
The Raiders didn't trail for long though, as Carr and the offense answered in short order, with Carr finding Crabtree for his third touchdown of the game.
Janikowski added the PAT, and the Silver and Black now lead 28-27 with 2:12 left in regulation.
The Ravens attempted to come back in the final moments of the game, but the bid fell short, and the Raiders won the game 28-27.
