Los Malosos tuvieron siete ofensivas consecutivas en las que no anotaron puntos, mientras que en ese lapso los Acereros pusieron 23 puntos en el marcador para ganar su primer juego como visitantes ante los Raiders desde 1995 por marcador de 23 a 18.
"Pensé que la defensa nos mantuvo en el juego, pero no hemos jugado futbol americano complementario aún", dijo el entrenador en jefe Josh McDaniels tras la derrota. "(Será difícil) hasta que empecemos a hacerlo y que podamos correr el balón también. Nos pusimos adelante de nuevo, pero no se manifestó en control del juego. La defensa hizo paradas para intentar mantenernos en el partido y eventualmente conseguimos otra anotación para hacer el juego uno de una posesión. Luego los paramos y nos regresaron el balón. No tengo problema con el esfuerzo o intenciones de la defensa hoy, ya que nos dieron la oportunidad de ganar el juego".
Las Vegas abrió el marcador en este encuentro durante su segunda posesión, con Garoppolo lanzando un pase a Davante Adams de 32 yardas en cuarta oportunidad con una yarda por avanzar. Pero fue a partir de ahí donde la defensa fue detenida una y otra vez por los Acereros, incluyendo un par de intercepciones de Garoppolo en ese lapso de siete series donde no consiguieron puntos.
El partido se fue al medio tiempo con el marcador 13 a 7 favor Pittsburgh, con Las Vegas recibiendo la patada de despeje, pero no pudieron mover las cadenas y los Acereros siguieron extendiendo su ventaja con un gol de campo de Chris Boswell de 57 yardas y un pase anotador de Pickett a Pat Freiermuth. Con una ventaja de dos posesiones, el sentido de urgencia de los Raiders se elevó, pero se les complicaba mover el ovoide con la presión constante de Pittsburgh y su defensa con manos pegajosas para robar el balón.
Garoppolo tuvo su mejor partido con los Raiders en cuanto a producción se refiere con 324 yardas por aire y dos anotaciones, pero las tres intercepciones acabaron poniendo a los Acereros en posición para anotar los puntos con los que ganaron el juego.
Davante Adams superó las 170 yardas por segunda vez con Las Vegas. Terminó con 13 recepciones para 172 yardas y dos anotaciones. Es el sexto jugador en la historia de la NFL con al menos 90 recepciones anotadoras en sus primeros 135 juegos, además fue su partido número 40 con al menos 100 yardas, la segunda mayor cantidad para un jugador en la NFL desde el 2014.
"No les he dicho nada aún (a mis compañeros), a veces necesitas tiempo para procesar y ver que decir", declaró Adams. "Es difícil porque somos un buen equipo con mucho potencial. Tenemos que averiguar cómo jugar juntos en ambos lados del balón para no ponernos en una posición tan complicada para remontar. Tuvimos demasiadas fallas hoy con castigos, capturas en contra, no poder hacer una jugada o perder el balón".
Jakobi Meyers también tuvo un buen partido en su regreso tras perderse el duelo en Buffalo al estar en el protocolo de conmociones cerebrales. Meyers terminó con 7 recepciones para 85 yardas. Entre Davante y Jakobi terminaron con 20 recepciones, 257 yardas y dos anotaciones. El resto de los jugadores de los Raiders se combinaron para 8 recepciones y 67 yardas.
La tarde productiva en cuanto a yardaje se refiere para los Malosos no fue suficiente porque solo fueron anotados dos touchdowns por parte del conjunto negro y plata. AJ Cole despejó el balón 5 veces ante Pittsburgh después de solo hacerlo un total de cuatro veces entre los primeros dos juegos. Garoppolo tuvo ante los Acereros la misma cantidad de intercepciones que combinando los partidos ante Denver y Buffalo. Si bien, pocas defensas tienen un olfato por el ovoide como la de Pittsburgh, los Raiders necesitan encontrar la manera de terminar más series con puntos (solo tres el domingo) que con pérdidas de balón (cuatro frente a Pittsburgh) o despejes (cinco ante los Acereros).
View photos from the Raiders' Week 3 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91), defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) and safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Marcus Peters (24) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) and safety Marcus Epps (1) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DeAndre Carter (3) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a 32-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a 32-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) celebrates after making a 32-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) celebrates with fans after making a 32-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a PAT during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) on the sidelines during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Isaac Rochell (96) on the sidelines during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Marcus Peters (24) and safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) 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 quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) 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 fullback Jakob Johnson (45) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Jakob Johnson (45) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer (50) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90), defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) and defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Marcus Peters (24) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Marcus Peters (24) 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 wide receiver Davante Adams (17) 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 quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) 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 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) and linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Marcus Epps (1), defensive end Maxx Crosby (98), defensive tackle Byron Young (93) and defensive lineman Jerry Tillery Jr. (90) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0) and linebacker Divine Deablo (5) 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 running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) 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 linebacker Robert Spillane (41) 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 safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) 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 cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0) 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 end Maxx Crosby (98) and safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) and safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) 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 Marcus Peters (24) and defensive tackle Byron Young (93) 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 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 cornerback Marcus Peters (24) and linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Marcus Peters (24), safety Marcus Epps (1) and cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69), linebacker Robert Spillane (41) and safety Marcus Epps (1) 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 running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DeAndre Carter (3) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a 1-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a 1-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) makes a two-point conversion catch during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) celebrates after making a two-point conversion catch during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) celebrates with tight end Austin Hooper (81) after making a two-point conversion 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 Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91), defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) 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 wide receiver DeAndre Carter (3) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham (66) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.
