The Raiders' Week 11 win over the Denver Broncos should have bolstered the team's confidence in making a late-season turnaround. The momentum created from the come-from-behind victory should restore the team's confidence in Josh McDaniels' philosophy and how the team must prepare and perform to win games.
Given some time to review and reflect on the team's win in Denver, here are some thoughts and observations from a former NFL scout…
Simplicity pays off
To end a three-game losing streak, Josh McDaniels put the ball in the hands of his best players and let them go to work to help the Raiders overcome a late-game deficit on the road. Derek Carr, Josh Jacobs and Davante Adams put the offense on their backs as the leaders of a unit that flashes explosive potential. Jacobs and Adams, in particular, combined for 300-plus scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 34 total touches.
Although it is sensible to put the ball in the hands of the team's best players to win games, it is hard to resist the urge to make the call sheet about play designs that showcase a playcaller's creativity and ingenuity. McDaniels put any of that on the backburner by making it a priority to build the game plan around No. 28 and No. 17.
With "take over the game" capabilities, Jacobs and Adams are blue-chip players who command attention but also deliver in key moments. By entrusting the duo to put the offense on their backs, McDaniels simplified the game by putting the pressure on his best players to deliver in the clutch. While he had a few clever tactics to put his stars in prime positions to make plays, the goal was to put the ball in the hands of his best players to give them a chance to make a significant impact on the game.
The Raiders could continue to follow this simplistic premise to enable their blue chips to make a bigger mark on the game.
Davante Adams is still No. 1
It has been trendy to anoint the hottest pass catcher of the week as the undisputed WR1 of the league, but it is hard to take Adams' crown as the top wideout in the game. The perennial All-Pro topped the 100-yard mark for the third straight game (and the sixth time this season) while going up against one of the best defenses in football.
Despite facing an elite cornerback (Patrick Surtain II) and a variety of double coverage tactics, Adams finished with seven catches, 141 yards and a pair of touchdowns, including a 35-yard walk-off score on an electrifying corner route that left his defender spinning.
From his superb route-running skills to his sticky hands and exceptional ball skills, the veteran remains an unstoppable force on the perimeter as a No. 1 receiver. Adams gets open against any coverage or defensive tactic and shows no signs of slowing down as a playmaker.
Maxx Crosby steps up his game again
It is not a secret that No. 98 is the Raiders' top defender and one of the best ballers in the league, but the fourth-year pro issued a reminder to the football world with his spectacular performance against the Broncos.
Crosby notched six tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble and blocked a field goal attempt while displaying his trademark energy, enthusiasm and effort. The veteran defender kept the Raiders in the game with a back-to-back sequence of disruptive plays that held the game within three points heading into halftime.
Crosby punched the ball out of Melvin Gordon's hands at the one-yard line (recovered by the Broncos at the seven-yard line) and followed it up with a block on a 25-yard field goal attempt. The block is the third of his career and the latest highlight for a player who brings his best every week.
As a pass rusher, Crosby came up with a pair of second-half sacks to keep the game within striking distance on the road. The veteran flashed the ability to win with strength and power utilizing a push-pull maneuver to sack Russell Wilson on a third-down sack. And later notched a sack on an electric spin move that overwhelmed the heavy-footed right tackle Cameron Fleming.
With Crosby producing a handful of splash plays that ended drives and squashed scoring opportunities, the veteran defender helped the team snap a three-game losing streak.
View the best photos from the Raiders' Week 11 victory against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) arrives to the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) arrives to the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) arrives to the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Alex Bars (64) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Jacob Hollister (88) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Thayer Munford Jr. (77) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Chase Garbers (15) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) and wide receiver DJ Turner (19) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Chase Garbers (15) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Jesper Horsted (80) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) signs autographs for fans before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Jakob Johnson (45) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
The Las Vegas Raiders quarterbacks and receivers huddle during warm ups before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) signs autographs for fans before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Jesper Horsted (80) and tight end Foster Moreau (87) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (26) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders Owner Mark Davis before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3), quarterback Chase Garbers (15) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) walk down the tunnel before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) walks down the tunnel before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Jakob Johnson (45), cornerback Sam Webb (27) and running back Brandon Bolden (34) walk down the tunnel before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Jakob Johnson (45) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) walks down the tunnel before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) warming up before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Josh McDaniels before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
The Las Vegas Raiders defensive line huddles during warm ups before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
The Las Vegas Raiders are introduced onto the field before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) on the sidelines before the Las Vegas Raiders regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Josh McDaniels on the sidelines before the Las Vegas Raiders regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the national anthem before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Lester Cotton Sr. (67) during the national anthem before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brittain Brown (38) during the national anthem before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the national anthem before the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) returns a kickoff during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Thayer Munford Jr. (77) blocks during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) calls out the defense during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) punts during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) eyes the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) stiff arms the defender during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) celebrates after returning a kickoff during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) receives the snap during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) rushes the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) rushes the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) waits to snap the ball during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a 31-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a 31-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) celebrates with a teammates after making a 31-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrate after connecting on a 31-yrad touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) lines up to kick a PAT during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) and safety Matthias Farley (41) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (26) lines up before the snapduring the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) eyes the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) knocks down the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) on the sidelines during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Roderic Teamer (33) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Neil Farrell Jr. (92) celebrates after making a tackle during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) blocks a field goal attempt during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) and linebacker Darien Butler (58) celebrate during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jayon Brown (50) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) celebrate during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) calls out the defense during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (26) and safety Roderic Teamer (33) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Roderic Teamer (33) celebrates after making a tackle during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) pressures the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) hands the ball off to running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) rushes the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates with defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) after sacking the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) and linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) celebrate during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) celebrates during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Tyler Hall (37) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Tyler Hall (37) celebrates after sacking the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) lines up to kick a 57-yard field goal during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) celebrates after making a 25-yard field goal during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) eyes the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) celebrates after winning the overtime coin toss during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes for a 35-yard game winning touchdown during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) making a 35-yard game winning touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) celebrates after making a 35-yard game winning touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrate after connecting on a 35-yard game winning touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
The Las Vegas Raiders celebrate after wide receiver Davante Adams (17) make a game winning 35-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates on the field after the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) on the field after the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates in the locker room after the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Josh McDaniels addresses his players in the locker room after the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
The Las Vegas Raiders celebrate in the locker room after the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrate in the locker room after the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
