“Just win, baby”. (c) Al Davis
The AFC West championship race is really heating up, with only a few games remaining before post-season play. Prior to tonight, the Oakland Raiders were the only remaining team in the entire NFL without a win. With the holidays nearing, many fans including the man of the night Charles Woodson, revealed a win tonight was more important than their next breath of air – talk about true dedication. Thursday night, the Oakland Coliseum had a breezy 60 degree setting, as fans filled in for a rare national televised game on the NFL Network.
The story of tonight’s game was the rushing initially seen from Latavius Murray. The Raiders and fans in attendance got big relief when he scored the team’s first two touchdowns of the game, to give them a hope heading forward. Kansas City wouldn’t head into halftime scoreless, however, as Cairo Santos would chip in a 24-yard FG for their first points of the game. Following a 40-yard FG from Sebastian Janikowski to give them a 14-point lead once again, the Chiefs would answer back once again with back-to-back touchdowns.
Latavius Murray’s 90-yard TD gave raiders hope with early 14-0 lead
Alex Smith would finally see success down the field, following touchdown passes to both Anthony Fasano and Jamaal Charles to finally tie the game at 17 all. Kansas City eventually took the lead on a FG once again from Santos, this time 25 yards. As the Raiders faithful grew restless with the possibly of yet another loss looming, rookie QB Derek Carr would connect with James Jones for a short TD, to complete a 17-play and 80-yard drive.
Anticipation continued to build for the black hole to get their first win, as Kansas City had one more shot at retaking the lead, down 24-20 – but were unsuccessful. The AFC West has officially been shaken up again, with the Denver Broncos taking sole possession of the division. Coincidentally, the Chiefs get the next 9 days off to rest until their Sunday night showdown on November 30th at home against Peyton Manning and the Broncos.
Kurt Coleman stopped Murray’s night early after concussion hit
Derek Carr now finally enjoys his first ever win as a quarterback, alongside veterans Darren McFadden and Charles Woodson who have something to finally smile about after this much needed win. The Raiders essentially are a lock to receive the number one overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, and will be looking to build in free agency to surround talent around their best quarterback since Rich Gannon over a decade ago.
GIFS courtesy of TheBigLead.