TC Martin

Raiders Get First Win in Defeating Denver

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It took a little longer than everyone in the Las Vegas Raiders organization and fans wanted but the Silver and Black came through with flying colors in getting their first victory of the season in defeating the Denver Broncos 32-23 Sunday afternoon at Allegiant Stadium.  

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Coming into this week's game with a record of 0-3 and being the only team in the NFL without a victory, this was definitely a must-win game for the Raiders. 

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After much scrutiny was thrown their way over their lack of defense. the Raiders won the game on that side of the ball.  Maxx Crosby had two sacks and Amik Robertson came up with the biggest play of the game in picking up a Melvin Gordon fumble and returning it 68 yards for a touchdown.  

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The Raiders defense held the Broncos to only 3 of 11 on 3rd down conversions and limited the visitors to only 299 total yards in only 25 minutes of possession. 

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Offensively Las Vegas finally found their ground game.  Josh Jacobs ran for 144 yards and two touchdowns. HIs last one came with 2:01 to play to give the Raiders a nine-point lead and put the game away.  Jacobs became the first Raider's player to rush for at least 130 yards and two TD's in a game since Darren McFadden did it in 2011 against the New York Jets.  

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Las Vegas finished with 212 yards on the ground nearly surpassing their total against Denver back in 2016 when they rushed for 218 yards. 

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Derek Carr completed 21 of 34 passes for 188 yards and for the first time this season, he connected with his college teammate Davante Adams rapidity in the second half. Adams had his best game as a Raider so far making nine catches for 102 yards. 

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Josh McDaniels got his first victory as head coach of the Silver and Black and hopes for this trend to continue.  It will be tough to duplicate this effort next week as the Raiders (1-3) travel to Kansas City to face the Chiefs on Monday Night Football.   Kansas City rolled over Tampa Bay 41-31 on Sunday night.