After getting shut out by the Saints, the Raiders headed to Jacksonville with a chance to get their third win of the season.
For Vegas to be able to win, they would need their offense to step up and play efficiently to put together scoring drives. The Jaguars were 2-6 coming into this game but their defense has been their strong suit while their offense has struggled to finish off games.
This would be a great opportunity for the Raiders to put together a win and potentially propel themselves back into the division race. However, Vegas would only play well for one half and let Jacksonville come from behind to win.
A tale of two halves
In the first half, the Raiders were playing very well and had gained a 17-0 advantage by the beginning of the second quarter, with both of their touchdowns coming from Davante Adams’s receptions from Derek Carr.
The Jaguars got their first touchdown of the game with just under five minutes remaining in the second quarter, but Las Vegas was able to add a field goal from Daniel Carlson with just 45 seconds remaining before halftime.
Unfortunately for the Raiders, Jacksonville was able to put together a quick drive to add a field goal of their own before halftime. Vegas now held a 20-10 lead at halftime and would need to put together some efficient offensive drives and play solid defense to control the rest of the game.
Second half
The Raiders’ offense would not score again in this game and their defense would end up giving up another two touchdowns and a field goal.
The Vegas offense had possession of the ball five times but would not be able to string together any scoring drives. They were forced to punt on three of the five drives and turned it over on the other two. On their second to last drive, they would turn the ball over on downs as they attempted to go for the first down on fourth and two.
The other turnover came on their last drive, backed up at their own 18-yard line, and needing 17 yards to gain a first down, the Raiders attempted to lateral the ball to pick up the first down when it was picked off by former Utah linebacker Devin Lloyd ending the game.
The final score was 27-20, with the Jaguars picking up their third win of the season and Vegas falling to 2-6.
Disappointing season
After losing this game, the Raiders have fallen into last place in their division, and their chances of making the playoffs are virtually non-existent. After they had seemed to improve their offense from last season, Vegas has struggled more on offense and it is hurting their team.
Their defense has kept most of their games close but without production from the offense this team will continue to struggle. If they are going to have any chance to gain some ground in their division, they will need to start playing better and winning games, starting when they return home next game.
Up next
The Raiders (2-6) will host the Indianapolis Colts (3-5-1) on Sunday, Nov. 13. The game will kick off at 2:05 p.m. MT and can be seen on CBS.
