Tag: Raiders

Nov 26, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) carries the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs continue dominance over Raiders

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Patrick Mahomes passed for 298 yards and two touchdowns and Isiah Pacheco ran for a pair of scores as the visiting Kansas City Chiefs topped the Las Vegas Raiders 31-17 on Sunday.

Trailing 14-0 in the second quarter on the heels of Monday night’s loss to Philadelphia, Kansas City responded with 21 straight points to regain the advantage.

Daniel Carlson kicked a 34-yard field goal with 2:09 left in the third quarter to pull the Raiders to within 21-17, but the Chiefs answered with a 39-yard scoring pass from Mahomes to Rashee Rice on their next possession.

Kansas City (8-3) covered at least 71 yards on each of its touchdown drives while sending Las Vegas (5-7) to its second straight defeat.

The Chiefs improved to 10-1 against the Raiders since 2018, Mahomes’ first full season. Kansas City has scored 28 or more points in each of those meetings, an NFL record for the most successive games scoring at least 28 points against one foe.

Las Vegas appeared primed to reverse that trend from the outset. The Raiders covered 75 yards in nine plays and 5:28 on the game’s opening drive, punctuating the possession with an 18-yard pass from Aidan O’Connell to Jakobi Meyers.

Las Vegas forced a Kansas City punt on the ensuing possession and moved 69 yards after getting the ball back, but the drive ended with Carlson missing a field goal from 30 yards. The Raiders made it 14-0 on their next drive, however, as Josh Jacobs burst around the left end for a 63-yard touchdown run.

Pacheco capped a 12-play, 71-yard drive with a 1-yard scoring run on the next possession, starting the Chiefs on a run of three touchdowns on as many drives.

Justin Watson caught a 3-yard touchdown in the final minute of the half for a 14-14 score, and Pacheco added his second touchdown on the opening drive of the second half.

Mahomes shined throughout. After starting the game 4-for-5 for 12 yards, he ended with a flourish. Mahomes finished 27-for-34 through the air, finding Rice eight times for 107 yards and a score while connecting with Travis Kelce for six catches and 91 yards.

Pacheco led the ground game with 55 yards on 15 carries.

O’Connell was 23-for-33 for 248 yards and a touchdown, and Jacobs rushed 20 times for 110 yards and a score. Meyers (six catches, 79 yards, one touchdown) and Davante Adams (five catches, 73 yards) were the Raiders’ top receivers.

–Field Level Media

Nov 5, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) waits for the New York Giants to snap the ball during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders DE Maxx Crosby (knee) doubtful vs. Chiefs

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Las Vegas Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby hasn’t missed a game in his five-year career, but the two-time Pro Bowl selection is doubtful for Sunday’s game against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs with a knee injury.

Crosby, 26, who didn’t practice all week, has 10.5 sacks, 65 tackles (14 for a loss) and 17 quarterback hits this season.

“(He’s) getting treatment around the clock, you know how it goes,” interim head coach Antonio Pierce told reporters Friday. “A guy that plays every snap, you’ve got to take care of him. So, one thing about him, if he can be there Sunday, he’ll be there.”

A fourth-round pick of the Raiders in 2019, Crosby has 48 sacks, 296 tackles (79 for a loss) and 110 quarterback hits in his five seasons.

Raiders offensive tackle Kolton Miller (shoulder), linebacker Robert Spillane (ankle), and safety Marcus Epps (neck) are questionable after being listed as limited all week. Safety Roderic Teamer (hamstring) was a full participant all week but is listed as questionable.

–Field Level Media

Nov 20, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (11) drops a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs visit Las Vegas striving for new streak

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Costly penalties and drops from the receiving corps added up to defeat for the Kansas City Chiefs in their Super Bowl LVII rematch with the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday.

At 7-3, the Chiefs nonetheless lead the AFC West by two games and remain in position for home-field advantage as the regular-season stretch run nears.

The coaching staff and quarterback Patrick Mahomes are encouraging the team to stay positive as the Chiefs prepare for Sunday’s visit to the Las Vegas Raiders. That includes a young receivers’ room the organization knew would have growing pains in 2023.

“In the end, we have a lot of trust in these guys and we believe in them. And I think that’s very, very important,” Kansas City offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said. “And you hear that and you see that from Pat and it’s something that we just continue to stick together and keep working through.”

Kansas City was held scoreless in the second half of its 21-17 defeat on Monday and surrendered two quick touchdown drives after halftime. Both covered seven plays and at least 61 yards in under three minutes.

“This is a growing moment for us as a team, overall,” Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones said.

Las Vegas (5-6) enters play in a jumble of contenders for the final two playoff spots after losing 20-13 at Miami last week. Rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell passed for a career-best 271 yards and a touchdown but also threw three interceptions.

Sunday begins a stretch of three straight home games for the Raiders, who carry a four-game winning streak at Allegiant Stadium since losing to Pittsburgh in their home opener in Week 3. Las Vegas knows maintaining that trend that could go a long way toward keeping its postseason chances afloat.

“I came here with the intentions of making it tough on teams coming in this building and not making it a friendly place to play,” wide receiver Davante Adams said. “We’re starting to feel that from our fans now, so we just gotta continue to do our part, team-wise, to make sure we apply that pressure and make it a not fun place to come here and play.”

Interim coach Antonio Pierce agrees. He’s seen the raucousness first-hand after guiding the team to home wins against the New York Giants and New York Jets in his first two games at the helm.

“That Black Hole has to be real,” Pierce said. “And when we make that a consensus effort and a mindset, and the fans to the same, it’s a (heck) of a place to play.”

Kansas City leads the all-time series 70-53-2, including victories in five of the six meetings between the rivals since the Raiders relocated to Las Vegas for the 2020 season.

The Chiefs swept the season series in 2022, earning a one-point home victory in Week 5 before securing a 31-13 win at Allegiant Stadium in the regular-season finale.

Kansas City wideout Mecole Hardman (thumb) did not participate in practice on Wednesday, while running back Jerick McKinnon (groin) was limited.

Las Vegas defensive end Maxx Crosby (knee) did not participate in practice on Wednesday.

–Field Level Media

Jan 22, 2022; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and wide receiver Davante Adams (17) in action against the San Francisco 49ers during a NFC Divisional playoff football game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Jets to pursue WR Davante Adams in offseason trade

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The New York Jets once again will inquire about reuniting three-time All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams with Aaron Rodgers during the offseason, ESPN reported Sunday.

The Jets reportedly talked with the Las Vegas Raiders about acquiring Adams prior to last month’s trade deadline.

Adams, who turns 31 on Dec. 24, played eight seasons with Rodgers during his time with the Green Bay Packers.

Adams erupted for 100 catches for 1,516 yards and a league-leading 14 receiving touchdowns during his first season with Las Vegas in 2022, but he has expressed frustration with his role in the Raiders’ offense this season. He has just 57 receptions for 659 yards and three scores in 2023.

A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Adams has 826 catches for 10,296 yards and 90 touchdowns in 143 career games with the Packers (2014-21) and Raiders.

Rodgers, who turns 40 on Dec. 2, is attempting to come back from a ruptured Achilles and is targeting a mid-December return. The four-time NFL MVP sustained the injury in the season opener against the Buffalo Bills.

–Field Level Media

Jul 31, 2023; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders fullback Jakob Johnson during training camp press conference at the Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

FB Jakob Johnson announces release from Raiders

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Fullback Jakob Johnson announced over social media on Friday morning that he has been released by the Las Vegas Raiders.

Johnson played in eight games (three starts) this season before sitting out the last two since the Raiders fired head coach Josh McDaniels. Johnson was with McDaniels in New England and joined him in Las Vegas shortly after the latter was hired to coach the Raiders.

Johnson, 28, caught one pass for 12 yards this season and has served as a contributor on special teams. He has totaled 19 catches for 105 yards and one touchdown in 62 career games with the Patriots (2019-21) and Raiders. He did not have an official carry in his NFL career.

–Field Level Media

Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) has back-to-back season highs in rushing since Antonio Pierce took over. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Ascending Raiders shift gears for high-octane Dolphins

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The Las Vegas Raiders are experiencing a revival under interim coach Antonio Pierce. Now they might need another gear for a visit to tackle the Miami Dolphins at Miami Gardens, Fla.

The Raiders (5-5) are 2-0 since firing Josh McDaniels and handing the keys to Pierce, who has quickly energized the squad.

The visit to Miami is the only road contest during a six-game stretch for the Raiders.

“We were fortunate that my first two games were at home,” Pierce said of the shift since he replaced McDaniels. “Now we are on the road. It’s good to go through adversity. (Miami) is a good football team.”

While Las Vegas is in second place in the AFC West, the Dolphins (6-3) lead the AFC East by 1 1/2 games over the Buffalo Bills and have outscored opponents by averaging 31.7 points per game. The Raiders average 17.2 points this season.

Miami dropped two of its past three games, but the setbacks were to last season’s Super Bowl teams (Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles).

The Dolphins entering off of their bye week and are eyeing an AFC East title.

“The goal is to win the division,” Miami coach Mike McDaniel said. “That’s the only way you ensure that you’re in the playoffs and you set yourself up for a journey, not a game. … It’s very important to us to win the AFC East.”

McDaniel is wary of the Raiders, who have defeated the New York Giants and New York Jets since Pierce’s promotion.

“I’d love to know the statistics behind teams that make a coaching change in-season,” McDaniel said, referencing the two wins. “It’s not the first time that it’s ever happened. I think the thing that I always notice when it does occur, when you have a coaching change and then have immediate success followed by another game of success, is that the locker room feels some energy. It galvanizes people.”

Raiders star running back Josh Jacobs is flourishing since the coaching change.

Jacobs led the NFL in rushing (1,653) and scrimmage yards (2,053) last season but had just 408 rushing yards and a paltry 3.1 average when McDaniels was canned after Las Vegas’ eighth game.

Jacobs rushed for a then-season-best 98 yards and two touchdowns in a 30-6 win over the Giants in Pierce’s coaching debut and another season high with 116 yards in last Sunday’s 16-12 win over the Jets.

Jacobs and star receiver Davante Adams are known threats, but Las Vegas ranks 27th in scoring offense (17.2 points per game) and 31st in total offense (275.4). But Jacobs said the offensive production is about to rise significantly.

“We know what type of team we have here,” Jacobs said. “This is not a fluke. The work that we put in, I feel like it’s going to pay off.”

Adams has just three receiving touchdowns to go with 57 catches for 659 yards.

Miami’s Tyreek Hill is having a huge season. Hill leads the NFL in receiving yardage (1,076) and touchdown catches (eight) and is tied for fourth with 69 receptions.

The Dolphins lead the NFL in scoring offense (31.7) and total offense (435.3) and could get rookie standout De’Von Achane (knee) back after a four-game absence. Achane has scored seven touchdowns (five rushing, two receiving) in four games and has rushed for 460 yards with a sparkling 12.1 average per carry.

Achane’s 21-day practice window began Monday and he was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice.

Among the Dolphins to miss practice were guards Robert Hunt (hamstring) and Robert Jones (knee). Hunt had “a setback” and will be out this week, McDaniel said.

Offensive tackle Terron Armstead (knee) and running back Raheem Mostert (ankle/knee) were limited. Mostert is tied for the NFL lead with 13 total touchdowns.

Raiders linebacker Curtis Bolton (illness) and cornerback Amik Robertson (concussion) were among the players who sat out Wednesday. Limited participants included star defensive end Maxx Crosby (knee) and cornerback Marcus Peters (knee).

–Field Level Media

Nov 12, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) is tackled by Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) in the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

Aidan O’Connell’s 4th-quarter TD toss lifts Raiders over Jets

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Aidan O’Connell tossed a 7-yard touchdown pass to fellow rookie Michael Mayer early in the fourth quarter to fuel the host Las Vegas Raiders to a 16-12 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday night.

Las Vegas’ Josh Jacobs rushed for 116 yards, but his costly fumble set up New York’s penultimate drive in the fourth quarter. Linebacker Robert Spillane intercepted Zach Wilson with 1:14 remaining in the fourth quarter.

O’Connell completed 16 of 27 passes for 153 yards and Davante Adams had six catches for 86 yards for the Raiders (5-5), who have won four of their past six games — including the past two under interim head coach Antonio Pierce.

Wilson completed 23 of 39 passes for 263 yards and rushed for a team-leading 54 yards.

Garrett Wilson had nine catches for 93 yards and Greg Zuerlein made four field goals for the Jets (4-5), who have lost two straight following a three-game winning streak.

Zuerlein and Las Vegas’ Daniel Carlson split the game’s first six field goals over the first three quarters before the Raiders found the end zone with 14:10 to play in the fourth. O’Connell rolled to his right before tossing the ball to Mayer, who outjumped Jets safety Jordan Whitehead for his first NFL touchdown reception.

Zuerlein answered with a 45-yard field goal to trim Las Vegas’ lead to 16-12 just over two minutes later.

Safety Ashtyn Davis recovered a fumble by Jacobs, setting the stage for a potential New York response. Zach Wilson completed eight passes for 56 yards to reach the Raiders 20-yard line before Spillane stepped in front his attempt toward Allen Lazard to end the threat.

The Raiders punted on their next possession and Zach Wilson connected with tight end Tyler Conklin to move to Las Vegas’ 44-yard line with 13 seconds left. The quarterback’s last two attempts fell incomplete.

The Jets scored on their opening possession for the first time this season after Zuerlein drilled a 47-yard field goal, however, Carlson answered with a 41-yard field goal on the Raiders’ ensuing possession.

Zuerlein booted the Jets back in front with a season-long 53-yard field goal with 1:11 left in the first quarter and added a 30-yarder at 11:48 of the second.

Carlson drilled a season-long 54-yard field goal as the first half expired and a 40-yard boot with 2:36 left in the third quarter to forge a 9-9 tie.

–Field Level Media

Aug 16, 2020; Jacksonville, Florida, United States; Jacksonville Jaguars corner back D.J. Hayden (25) walks down the field during training camp drills at the Dream Finders Homes training facility. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Former NFL CB D.J. Hayden among 6 dead in car accident

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Former NFL cornerback D.J. Hayden was among six people killed in Houston early Saturday morning after a car sped through a red light and caused a collision with another vehicle. He was 33.

Per Houston police, four people were pronounced dead at the scene and two more perished after being taken to a local hospital. Police noted that five males — including former University of Houston cornerback Zach McMillian, Hayden’s teammate — and one female were among the fatalities.

A two-time All-Conference USA honoree with Houston, Hayden made national headlines after a collision in practice caused a tear in his heart. He was discharged from the hospital a week later and was selected by the then-Oakland Raiders with the 12th overall pick of the 2013 NFL Draft.

Hayden recorded 328 tackles, 4.5 sacks, four interceptions and four forced fumbles in 92 career games (41 starts) with the Raiders (2013-16), Detroit Lions (2017), Jacksonville Jaguars (2018-20) and Washington Commanders (2021).

–Field Level Media

November 5, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) sack New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during the third quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders plot to hold down Jets’ struggling offense

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The Las Vegas Raiders enjoyed rare success on offense in their most recent game, while the New York Jets continued to sputter on that side of the ball.

With rookie Aidan O’Connell at the controls, the Raiders (4-5) will look for a fourth win in six outings on Sunday night when they host Zach Wilson and the Jets (4-4).

O’Connell recorded his first career win as a starter last Sunday, completing 16 of 25 passes for 209 yards in a 30-6 romp over the New York Giants.

Running back Josh Jacobs rolled up a season-high 98 yards and two touchdowns as the Raiders rolled to victory in Antonio Pierce’s debut as the team’s interim head coach.

Raiders wideout Davante Adams (team-leading 51 catches, 573 yards) has been kept under wraps of late, and the three-time All-Pro likely will see more than his fair share of reigning AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Sauce Gardner this week.

“Sauce Gardner is a problem. … (A) very talented individual,” Pierce said. “A lot of confidence, swag, ball-hawking. Creates opportunities for his defense with his length. Plays to the strength of the system as well. Knows where his help is. Smart football player, really good football player. Very talented.”

Wilson completed a career-high 33 passes for a season-best 263 yards on Monday, though he and the Jets failed to find the end zone in a 27-6 setback against the Los Angeles Chargers. The result snapped a three-game winning streak for the Jets, who own the NFL’s second-worst average in total yards (272.9) and third-worst average in points per game (16.5).

The Raiders aren’t much better. They are averaging an NFL third-worst 275.6 total yards and sixth-worst 17.3 points per contest — and they’ll face a New York defense that is yielding the ninth-fewest yards (312.0) and eighth-fewest points per game (19.5).

Wilson, who was sacked eight times by the Chargers, will encounter a Raiders team that recorded eight sacks vs. the Giants — including a season-high three by Maxx Crosby.

“We had eight sacks and that was great. But giving up 100 yards rushing is not cool,” Pierce said.

The Jets hope to pick on the Raiders’ run defense behind Breece Hall, who has been stuck in neutral the past three games with 40 carries for just 106 yards. That came on the heels of erupting for 177 yards and a touchdown in New York’s 31-21 win over the Denver Broncos on Oct. 8.

As for Wilson, he has struggled mightily since being ushered behind center following the injury to Aaron Rodgers in the season opener. Coach Robert Saleh, however, dismissed the notion of a “conspiracy theory” — in essence that he is receiving demands from the front office to play Wilson as opposed to giving Tim Boyle or Trevor Siemian first-team reps at practice.

“Obviously, it’s not the Greatest Show on Turf,” Saleh said on Wednesday. “Obviously, (Wilson) knows that there’s a lot of things that he can do better. There’s a lot of things we can all do better. And yeah, he needs to get better. He knows that.

“But I know the knee-jerk reaction is to always hit the panic button. … He’s doing the best he can. But again, he still needs to get better.”

New York offensive lineman Billy Turner (finger), who was thrust into a starting role for the first time this season on Monday, joined linebacker Chazz Surratt (ankle) in failing to participate during Wednesday’s walkthrough session. Offensive lineman Mekhi Becton (knee), wideout Allen Lazard (knee), linebacker Quincy Williams (knee) and tight end Jeremy Ruckert (shoulder) were limited participants.

As for Las Vegas, Crosby (knee) joined cornerback Nate Hobbs (ankle), tight end Austin Hooper (calf), guard Greg Van Roten (biceps/back) and tackle Thayer Munford Jr. (neck) in being limited during the Wednesday practice. Cornerback Marcus Peters (knee), tackle Kolton Miller (shoulder), linebacker Divine Deablo (ankle) and fullback Jakob Johnson (concussion) did not practice.

–Field Level Media

November 5, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) passes the football against the New York Giants during the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders steamroll Giants in first game since coach, QB changes

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Josh Jacobs rushed for 98 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries and the Las Vegas Raiders were impressive in their first game under interim coach Antonio Pierce, routing the visiting New York Giants 30-6 on Sunday.

The Raiders fired Josh McDaniels on Tuesday after a string of woeful offensive performances, and Las Vegas (4-5) had set a new season high for points scored before the first half ended. The Raiders’ previous high for a game was 21.

Rookie Aidan O’Connell completed 16 of 25 passes for 209 yards in his second career start. Upon Pierce’s promotion, O’Connell was named the starting quarterback over veteran Jimmy Garoppolo.

New York’s Daniel Jones injured his right knee on consecutive plays and departed after the first play of the second quarter with 25 yards on 4-of-9 passing. Jones missed the previous three games with a neck injury for the Giants (2-7).

Tommy DeVito was the only other quarterback available and he was intercepted twice and sacked six times while completing 15 of 20 passes for 175 yards and his first career touchdown pass. Wan’Dale Robinson caught the scoring pass and Saquon Barkley accounted for 113 scrimmage yards (90 rushing, 23 receiving).

The Giants have lost six of their past seven games and are averaging 10 points during the stretch.

Pierce was a former player with the Giants and won a Super Bowl ring when New York famously upset the previously undefeated New England Patriots in the Super Bowl following the 2007 season.

Maxx Crosby had three of Las Vegas’ eight sacks and Daniel Carlson kicked three field goals.

The Raiders struck first when Jakobi Meyers took a jet sweep to the left and raced 17 yards for a score with 9:45 left in the first quarter.

Jacobs scored in the second quarter on runs of 2 and 1 yards to make it 21-0 with 1:57 left in the half. Carlson booted a 24-yard field goal with 4 seconds left to make it a 24-point halftime lead.

Carlson kicked a 46-yard field goal with 8:23 left in the third quarter. He later hit from 41 in the fourth quarter.

The Giants scored on DeVito’s 9-yard touchdown pass to Robinson with 14:11 left in the game.

Jones was first injured on the final play of the first quarter. He attempted to elude Crosby when the leg gave out.

When the second quarter began, Jones dropped back to pass and his right leg gave out again. He fell to the turf and immediately grabbed his knee.

–Field Level Media