The Las Vegas Raiders overcame a poor defensive performance to defeat the New York Jets 38-33 at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, snapping a four-game losing streak and a 12-game skid when trailing at halftime. Quarterback Kirk Cousins threw four touchdowns, including two to tight end Brock Bowers and one to Jalen Nailor.
Rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. replaced Ashton Jeanty as the primary back in running situations, gaining 83 yards on 25 carries. His ability to move the chains late in the game helped the Raiders control the clock when the outcome was in doubt.
The defense struggled for most of the afternoon, allowing Geno Smith ample time and leaving Jets receivers wide open. However, the unit forced consecutive three-and-outs in the second half and made a critical red-zone stop with 4:35 remaining to preserve the lead.
Special teams provided a major spark when Dylan Laube returned a kickoff for a touchdown, the first for the Raiders since Jacoby Ford in 2011 and the first in the NFL this season. Laube reached nearly 21 mph on the play, though the unit later allowed a 41-yard return. Kicker Matt Gay added a 53-yard field goal in the final minute to seal the victory.
Coach Klint Kubiak's timeout management and defensive game plan drew scrutiny, but his decision to trust Gay for a long field goal instead of pooch-punting paid off. The Raiders improved to .500 with the road win.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
English (US)·