Un inicio lento de los Raiders fue solo un bordo en el camino, mas no un freno de mano que obstruyera su recorrido rumbo a su tercer triunfo consecutivo, al derrotar a los Cargadores 27-20 en el Estadio Allegiant.
"Siempre hemos tratado de ser constantes con nuestro enfoque; sin importar que se gane, pierda o empate", declaró el entrenador en jefe Josh McDaniels. "No vamos a cambiarlo esta semana porque ganamos hoy, o porque ganamos tres seguidos. Si tratas a los jugadores con respeto y continúas tratando de ayudarlos a mejorar, no sé qué más podrían pedirte. Danos la oportunidad de mejorar y tratar de proporcionarles un plan que les dé la oportunidad de ganar".
Temprano en el juego los Raiders tuvieron que remar contra corriente al darle el ovoide a los Cargadores en sus primeras 4 series ofensivas por conducto de dos patadas de despeje, un balón suelto y una intercepción regresada para anotación. A pesar de ello, la desventaja en el marcador fue de solo 10-0 y no tiraron la toalla.
El décimo acarreo anotador de la campana de Josh Jacobs acortó distancias para Las Vegas, quienes se fueron al medio tiempo abajo 13-10. Pero tuvieron un inicio candente en la segunda mitad que le cambió el rostro al juego.
Nate Hobbs recuperó un balón suelto forzado por Duron Harmon y los Raiders consiguieron un pase anotador de Derek Carr a Davante Adams en su primera jugada ofensiva del tercer cuarto. Los Cargadores erraron un gol de campo y Las Vegas no tardó en extender la distancia en la pizarra con una jugada de engaño al tener un "flea flicker" que terminó en touchdown por segunda semana consecutiva, en esta ocasión siendo la segunda recepción anotadora de Adams en el juego, que acabó siendo la diferencia en el partido.
"Tenemos la confianza, el jugo y fe inquebrantable al saber que podemos jugar", apuntó Davante Adams, quien tuvo una marca personal con los Raiders al sumar 177 yardas aéreas en este juego. "Lo demostramos y necesitamos ser constantes, poniendo el mismo resultado en video cada semana. Si nuestra defensa juega así como lo hicieron hoy, hace que nuestra mente siga enfocada, lo hace más fácil al saber que no necesitamos volvernos locos cuando tenemos un inicio lento".
La defensa de Las Vegas solo permitió un touchdown por parte de la ofensiva Los Ángeles, sin dejar que los Cargadores se metieran a las diagonales en ninguno de sus tres viajes a la zona roja. Chandler Jones tuvo su mejor partido estadísticamente con los Malosos, acumulando 3 capturas de mariscal de campo, 6 tacleadas y 5 golpes a Justin Herbert. La presión de la defensa resultó en 5 sacks, mayor cantidad para el equipo en la actual temporada.
"Temprano en mi carrera lo único que me importaban eran los reconocimientos y no digo que no me importen ahora, pero mi enfoque principal es ganar y no las estadísticas", dijo Jones tras la victoria de los Malosos. "Lo que he aprendido es que cuando persigues las estadísticas es cuando te va peor, todo está bien si estás tranquilo y dejas que vengan hacia ti".
La línea ofensiva no permitió capturas de mariscal de campo por primera vez en el 2022. Pero algo que no es nuevo para esta unidad es el generar huecos para Josh Jacobs, que corrió para al menos cien yardas por sexta vez en la temporada, al acumular 144 yardas en 26 acarreos.
"Ellos creen en mí y yo creo en ellos", aseguró Jacobs sobre la línea ofensiva de los Raiders. "Soy el defensor más grande de ellos, hasta cuando no tienen grandes juegos. Puedes notar que lo están dejando todo en el campo por mi y es un gran sentimiento que tener".
Lo dijo Josh McDaniels el lunes tras la victoria en Seattle, el equipo está "lejos de ser perfecto". Ese sigue siendo el caso. Pero sin duda deja a la Nación Raider con una sonrisa el ver cómo ha evolucionado la ofensiva que McDaniels implementa en Las Vegas y como el coordinador defensivo Patrick Graham está generando resultados con su unidad, con los cuales le da mayores posibilidades de ganar partidos a los Raiders.
Ahora necesitan darle vuelta a la página rápidamente al tener frente a sí su única semana corta de la temporada al visitar a los Rams en Los Angeles el jueves por la noche. ¿Cual es la meta? Terminar con marca de 1-0 esta semana y poder volver a casa con su actual racha ganadora intacta cuando sean anfitriones de los Patriotas de Nueva Inglaterra el domingo 18 de Diciembre.
View photos from the Raiders' Week 13 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders defense huddle during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense huddle during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jayon Brown (50) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tashawn Bower (96) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) and safety Duron Harmon (30) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Sam Webb (27), defensive end Chandler Jones (55) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a 20-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) celebrates with tight end Foster Moreau (87) after rushing for a 20-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a PAT during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (26) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Curtis Bolton (36) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Alex Bars (64) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) and safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a 31-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a 31-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) celebrates with teammates after making a 31-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) celebrates with fans after making a 31-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) and linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39), defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jayon Brown (50) and safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) runs after making a 45-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) runs after making a 45-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a PAT during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Matthew Butler (94) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (26) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) and linebacker Curtis Bolton (36) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (26) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Jacob Hollister (88), linebacker Luke Masterson (59), running back Brandon Bolden (34) and safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) goes to kick a 25-yard field goal during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Matthias Farley (41) and linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jayon Brown (50) and safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) and defensive end Chandler Jones (55) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) and defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Alex Bars (64) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Sam Webb (27) and cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense huddle during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) and defensive end Chandler Jones (55) in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) and defensive end Chandler Jones (55) in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) and Head Coach Josh McDaniels in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Josh McDaniels in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
