The Las Vegas Raiders surprised everyone this last Sunday. With a win over the Baltimore Ravens, they showed the world that they have the roster to win games. Now, it's just about executing every play every single game. They did that on one offensive drive in particular, and it looked amazing. So, we know the offense has it in them.
Now, they have to stack those great drives on top of one another. You cannot win every game off of just field goals, like the majority of the game was for both sides. You have to score touchdowns. And, luckily, the Raiders did that when they needed to most.
The offense was still pretty poor for more of the game than it wasn't. However, we have to acknowledge the players on that side of the ball that did well, because there are more than a few of them. So, let's go over the offensive players who were winners on Sunday.
Raiders' winners on offense vs. Ravens
Gardner Minshew, QB
Let me preface this by saying, when I type Minshew's name for this, it's specifically for the second half, and even more specifically for the fourth quarter, where he was indeed lights out. Let's not forget when he threw an interception and Maxx Crosby talked to him face-to-face about stepping up and counting on him. And, he responded.
Minshew came alive specifically in the fourth quarter, where he led a scoring drive with some very impressive throws to Davante Adams. Minshew has the ability to play well, we just need to see that fourth-quarter version way more often.
Alexander Mattison, RB
The Raiders have used Mattison in more ways than they have used Zamir White, as they have him in the end zone on two different occasions this season, one by way of rushing and one by way of receiving. He's been much better than his counterpart in general, despite having much fewer snaps. On Sunday, it was no different.
Mattison wasn't by any means great in the run game, as he had four carries for one yard and one touchdown. However, he did play well in some of the chip scenarios they put him in as a quick pass blocker, the few times he did so. Of course, he didn't have a catch, but he did force the Ravens to play closer to the line of scrimmage with their defensive backs, which allowed more things in the intermediate area. The numbers aren't really there, but Mattison was great. And, I really didn't want to choose Davante Adams, because that's the obvious answer.
Brock Bowers, TE
I think it's safe to say the Raiders may have hit on their first round pick this year. Bowers already looks elite and has a lot of Travis Kelce-George Kittle to him. He can block, and catch, and he has the YAC ability, as we saw him drag defenders to the goalline.
Bowers made several big-time plays when they needed it most, and after this week, has the best numbers of any tight end in the entire league. Sure, offenses around the league are down, but he certainly is not, and will not be. The dude was breaking records all day long, too. Let's see if he can continue the run against the Carolina Panthers.
