"Quiero que la defensa sea la razón por la que ganamos partidos", dijo el miércoles el ala defensiva Maxx Crosby, y por segundo juego consecutivo su unidad logró preservar la ventaja que tenía su equipo tras la pausa de los dos minutos en el último cuarto, sellando un triunfo por marcador final de 21 a 17 ante Nueva Inglaterra en el Estadio Allegiant.
"Esa fue una experiencia extracorporal, fue increíble", aseguró Crosby tras capturar junto a Bilal Nichols en las diagonales a Mac Jones y con ello conseguir el safety para asegurar la victoria de los Malosos. "Cada vez que salgo al campo, quiero estar lo mejor que pueda. Estuve luchando contra algunas cosas y no estoy al cien por ciento, pero no importa. Mis compañeros lucharon junto a mí y encontramos la manera, y no hay mejor sensación que conseguir una victoria, especialmente (una segunda) de forma consecutiva. Ahora volvemos a .500, así que tenemos que ir a buscar otro triunfo la próxima semana".
Por tercer partido seguido, la defensa de los Raiders provocó una pérdida de balón al conseguir su segunda intercepción de la campaña Tre'von Moehrig. Además, la defensa comandada por el coordinador Patrick Graham sumó cuatro capturas ante los Patriotas, la mayor cantidad en un partido para el equipo en el 2023. De manera ironica, el conjunto negro y plata superó los 20 puntos por primera vez esta temporada por medio de una jugada defensiva, con el safety compartido de Crosby y Nichols. La defensa se ha puesto al equipo en los hombros y con ello ahora los Raiders han pasado de tener tres derrotas seguidas a obtener dos triunfos consecutivos.
"Cada semana es una semana diferente en nuestra liga", comentó el entrenador en jefe Josh McDaniels. "Cada partido puedes ganarlo o perderlo si no entrenas y juegas lo suficientemente bien. Si entrenas y juegas lo suficientemente bien, estarás compitiendo con la mayoría de los equipos. Pienso que tuvimos un par de juegos que necesariamente no fueron a nuestro favor cuando comenzamos la temporada, pero los muchachos nunca dejaron de trabajar de la misma manera. En todo caso, hemos trabajado más duro, hemos hecho más y dedicamos más tiempo y esfuerzo a ciertas cosas para tratar de mejorar y darnos la oportunidad de progresar."
La ofensiva sigue sin carburar de la manera deseada, pero al mismo tiempo siguen enfrentando diferentes retos como el perder al mariscal de campo titular Jimmy Garoppolo por una lesión de espalda que sufrió en el segundo cuarto y la cual no le permitió regresar al emparrillado para la segunda mitad. Brian Hoyer tomó el control de la ofensiva de los Malosos a partir del tercer cuarto, completando 6 de los 10 pases que intentó para 102 yardas, incluyendo el pase completo más largo de los Raiders tras seis juegos esta temporada con una conexión aérea de 48 yardas con el novato Tre Tucker.
"Cuando vi que iba a entrar (al partido) pensé 'Okay, completa los pases que ves en el campo porque nuestra defensa está haciendo un gran trabajo'", aseveró Hoyer sobre su primer tiempo de juego extendido con los Raiders tras jugar dos snaps en la semana 1. "La defensa me dio la confianza de salir y no intentar forzar nada o de hacer algo fuera de mis habilidades. Cuando eres mariscal de campo y tienes eso, te da mucha confianza. Hicieron un gran trabajo".
La ofensiva de los Malosos tuvo su segundo juego más productivo de la campaña, en cuanto a yardaje se refiere al mover el ovoide 348 yardas en el campo. La efectividad en la zona roja fue la razón por la cual el partido siguió siendo uno cerrado hasta el final del juego, ya que Las Vegas solo se metió a la zona de anotación en una de las seis ocasiones que estuvieron dentro de la yarda 20 rival, teniendo que conformarse con cuatro goles de campo y perdiendo el balón en una ocasión por medio de una intercepción de Garoppolo.
El ala cerrada novato Michael Mayer brilló con su mejor partido como profesional, acumulando 5 recepciones para 75 yardas, no sólo imponiendo marcas personales en ambas estadísticas, sino superando lo que hizo en los primeros 5 juegos.
"Creo que estoy entendiendo mucho más la ofensiva, en términos de dónde estar, qué hacer y cosas así", dijo Mayer tras la victoria. Creo que llegó un poco con el tiempo, llegó con la repetición y se dio al jugar en los partidos en lugar de simplemente ir en contra de nuestra defensa en el campo de entrenamiento. Eso es lo que es, solo me tomó un segundo entenderlo y creo que ahora está haciendo click para mí".
En su primer juego ante el equipo que le dio la oportunidad de llegar a la NFL y con los cuales jugo por cuatro años, el receptor abierto Jakobi Meyers continúa siendo una arma importante para el ataque negro y plata al terminar el partido con 5 recepciones, 61 yardas y el solitario touchdown del juego para los Raiders. Por su parte, para Josh McDaniels fue la tercera ocasión en la que se enfrentó a la franquicia donde se convirtió en uno de los coordinadores ofensivos más exitosos en la historia de la liga y sigue con marca perfecta ante su mentor Bill Belichick, que ahora es de 3 triunfos sin descalabros.
Mientras si, hay incertidumbre en el seno Maloso por la lesión de Garoppolo, ahora tanto el veterano Brian Hoyer como el novato Aidan O'Connell han visto acción en juegos de campaña regular con el equipo. En caso de ser requeridos, ambos demostraron la habilidad que tienen para potencialmente entrar al quite de nueva cuenta cuando los Raiders visiten a los Osos de Chicago el domingo, buscando tener marca ganadora de nueva cuenta.
View photos from the Raiders' Week 6 matchup against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) hands the ball off to running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 25-yard field goal during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Marcus Epps (1) on the sidelines during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) on the sidelines during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Austin Hooper (81) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) makes a 12-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) celebrates after making a 12-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Kana'i Mauga (43) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the sidelines during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) on the sidelines during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) and safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) hands the ball off to running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) on the bench during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Brian Hoyer (7) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Brian Hoyer (7) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Austin Hooper (81) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Tyler Hall (37) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Isaac Rochell (96), linebacker Divine Deablo (5) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) and defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) and defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) and cornerback Tyler Hall (37) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) in the locker room after the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) in the locker room after the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) in the locker room after the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) in the locker room after the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and General Manager Dave Ziegler in the locker room after the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) and Head Coach Josh McDaniels in the locker room after the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Brian Hoyer (7) and Head Coach Josh McDaniels in the locker room after the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle in the locker room after the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium.
