The Las Vegas Raiders beat the Indianapolis Colts 23-20 to keep their playoff hopes alive on Sunday. Vegas jumped out to a 10-0 lead, but the Colts came back late to take a 17-13 lead in the fourth quarter.
With their post season on the line, the Raiders scored 10 points in the fourth quarter to take the lead and survive to fight another day. Las Vegas used a solid defensive performance to win the game, however the offense struggled with Derek Carr throwing two costly interceptions.
Carr did make a clutch throw to set up the game-winning field goal. Vegas found themselves faced with third-and-10 with 54 seconds remaining when Carr dropped back and found Hunter Renfrow, who ran a slant across the field. Renfrow caught the ball, lost his balance, and fell to the ground before racing into the end zone. Initially, officials ruled it a touchdown but replay discovered that Colts defensive back Kenny Moore III had a finger on Renfrow as he was falling down, so the play was brought back, and a 48-yard touchdown reception turned into a 24-yard gain.
Hunter Renfrow finished the game with seven catches for 76 yards and one touchdown bringing his total to 99 catches and 1,025 yards on the season. The often overlooked receiver just keeps making critical plays for the Raiders.
Zay Jones also had a strong game catching eight passes for 120 yards. In the past two weeks, Jones has stepped up for the Raiders, making big plays in the passing game. Jones and Renfrow combined for 15 catches for 200 yards.
Although Carr threw two interceptions, he made the plays when his team needed him the most. He remained poised in the pocket and used his legs to extend plays, allowing receivers to get down the field. The first interception was an underthrown ball to DeSean Jackson that could have been a touchdown if Carr led the speedy receiver. The second, Carr thought Jones was open, but Colts linebacker Darius Leonard had eyes on Carr the whole time and picked the ball off.
Carr finished the game with 255 passing yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. If the Raiders want to continue playing beyond next week Carr needs to stay aggressive and use his legs while cutting down the turnovers.
Colts running back Jonathan Taylor rushed for 108 yards on 20 carries, but the Raiders defense did as decent a job as can be expected containing the league’s top rusher. His longest run on the day was only 24 yards. Without run-stopper Jonathan Hankins, the Raiders did an admirable job.
Rookie Divine Deablo led the Raiders in tackles with nine and has come into his own at the linebacker position. Starting for Hankins, Darius Phlion added eight tackles, and Denzel Perryman pitched with seven of his own.
The Raiders did a good job balancing the offense passing 31 times and running 27. Josh Jacobs led the way with 63 yards on 16 carries and one touchdown. Las Vegas is one of the best play-action teams in the NFL, so it’s imperative they stick to the running game.
Up next for the Raiders is an AFC West showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers in Las Vegas. The winner will secure a spot in the playoffs meaning that Vegas truly controls their destiny from here on out.
-LaMarr Fields
Twitter: @raiderway83