In week two of 2024, the Las Vegas Raiders had this season’s biggest upset thus far against the Baltimore Ravens. It wasn’t pretty, but the Raiders defied the odds as +350 underdogs. Its defense stopped Baltimore when it counted most and helped to shift momentum through big plays. Here are the rest of the top takeaways from the Raiders win this weekend.
The Raiders Upset The Ravens in Week 2
The Raider Defense is Elite
Although their game was far from perfect, the Raiders defense put together a strong performance to be proud of. Maxx Crosby had a great game from start to finish. He got a sack early and a big hit in the backfield on Ravens running back Derrick Henry. The Ravens could not get their run game started in the first half and were limited to nine points and no touchdowns. The Raider defense also didn’t allow a single trip into the red zone in the first half against the reigning MVP Lamar Jackson.
During the second half, the defense embodied the old adage, “Bend, but don’t break.”. The Raiders gave up some big runs and big plays in general allowing the Ravens to pull ahead 10 points by the fourth quarter. However, when it mattered the most team leaders like Crosby and Robert Spillane were in the place to make plays for their team. Spillane had an interception that fell into his hands from a great pass break-up from Jakorian Bennett. Not to mention Bennett’s overall strong effort in getting multiple pass breakups. Spillane also batted down a pass on a third down that got the Raider offense the ball back with seven minutes left to tie the game. Crosby then had a sack for a nine-yard loss that killed the Raven’s final offensive drive before it could get started. Overall, the defense played a gritty game filled with mistakes, big plays, and more importantly, a win.
The Offense Leaned Into Its Strengths
It’s no secret that the Raiders struggled on offense last week against the Los Angeles Chargers. This week that struggle showed up in the first half against the Ravens. The Raider run game was abysmal this week. They finished with an embarrassing 27 rush yards. The Raider offensive line couldn’t get a push in the first half giving up four sacks as well. A non-existent run game forced the offense to look to the air with the passing game. Gardner Minshew finished 30/38 for 276 yards, one touchdown, and an interception.
Following Minshew’s interception in the first half, an inspiring moment between him and Crosby showed that this team can pick each other up to finish strong. Following that interception, Minshew and the offense completed the first 10-point fourth-quarter comeback in 49 close games for the Raiders. This effort featured big-time throws to Brock Bowers and star Davante Adams. Bowers is showing that he is poised to be among the league’s best tight ends in the league already. He made a great play when the pocket broke down on third down by re-routing and getting into an open space where Minshew could find him. Adams had as good a toe-tap as a wide receiver could catch on the sideline late in the game. At the end of the day, the Raiders passing game took them to victory when their run game couldn’t get started.
The Offensive Line Struggles Again
The Raiders offensive line has struggled at moments this. They gave up five sacks this week and were the reason the run game failed to gain traction. With only 98 rushing yards over two games the offensive line needs to figure out what’s wrong and fast. Early in the game, left guard Cody Whitehair struggled and was replaced with backup tackle Andrus Peat. Peat then struggled himself and was replaced again by Whitehair for the remainder of the game. Next to Whitehair, left tackle Kolton Miller also struggled and gave up two sacks. This is unlike Miller who’s earned a reputation as a reliable blindside protector. Miller is likely dealing with some rust after missing the entire offseason due to injury and getting thrown into the lineup in week one.
That being said, Miller’s struggles are understandable and it wouldn’t be wrong to assume that he can fix his mistakes as the season goes on. The rest of the line however doesn’t have that same excuse. None of the offensive line had a great game and they all made costly mistakes at one point or another. Even center Andre James got blown up on a third and short giving up a tackle for loss in a far from perfect game. However, when it came down to it the offensive line stepped up in the second half like the rest of the team. Their strong performance to close the game is promising. The big boys up front have a lot to work on if the Raiders offense wants to keep the momentum from this win going.
