The 2017 disappointment is far in the rearview mirror for Raider Nation worldwide. 2018 already looks like a triumphant return to glory with Jon Gruden back at the helm. There are still several months until we truly know what this year’s version will truly behold. But now that the season has come to an end, let’s recap the moments that stood above the rest for the Oakland Raiders in what was an utterly dismal 6-10 campaign.
3. November 5, 2017 – Oakland 27 Miami 24
In what turned out to be the Silver & Black’s final road win, Derek Carr shined with a 300-yard output. He found Johnny Holton for a 44-yard end zone trip late in the second quarter to put the Raiders up for good on Sunday Night.
Jared Cook added eight grabs for 126 as Carr’s most targeted option. Marshawn Lynch found pay dirt twice which helped swing the game in Oakland’s favor. The Raiders appeared poised for a playoff run after the successful trip to Miami at 4-5 and the meat of their oppositions still to face.
2. September 10, 2017 – Oakland 26 Tennessee 16
Week 1 seems like centuries ago compared to what we last saw of the Raiders. It seemed like they were going to pick up where they left off at 12-4 in 2016. Amari Cooper blazed out of the gates with an 8-yard touchdown reception. Giorgio Tavecchio made people forget about Sebastian Janikowski in the blink of an eye with four field goals. Seth Roberts even got in on the fun with the game-winning score to seal it.
Who knew this would be one of the few bright spots, with only five victories after to be had? The defense stifled a potent running attack that eventually took off down the road. And this outcome was supposed to be a look into the crystal ball, or at least we thought.
1. October 20, 2017 – Oakland 31 Kansas City 30
Then there was a game that every Raider fan will always remember. The Thursday Night affair that went to the wire and then some. It turned out to be a magical evening in the Bay Area because of the turnabout that led the Raiders to their best win of 2017.
Derek Carr tore apart an auspicious Chiefs secondary who let Amari Cooper have the contest of his life. They hooked up 11 times for over 200 yards through the air and accounted for two lengthy trips for six. Carr surpassed 400 with his arm and after two penalties on the last couple of plays, Crabtree finished off the undeniable thriller with a pass from Carr to save the season for the Raiders at the moment being.
Social media went into a wild frenzy afterward with reactions all over this video.
Certainly, some little takeaways that will be captured in Raider Nation’s hearts forever. Rejoice in knowing that the off-season is nearly upon us and 2018 will go down in Raider lore no matter what comes out of it. So until our paths cross again, Ramble On, Raider Nation!