It was a wild finish to the Week 15 clash between the Las Vegas Raiders and New England Patriots. This will undoubtedly be a topic of discussion among Raider Nation for some time. But hey, a win is a win, and right now, social media is ablaze with how everything played out, including the game-winning play by Chandler Jones.
It was a game filled with important moments; among them, we cannot overlook the importance of Darren Waller’s return. He made sure to remind everyone in attendance at Allegiant Stadium that he’s still one of the best. More importantly, if you give him a chance, he can still make opposing defenses pay, as he scored his first touchdown since September.
While Waller’s return was huge, even more impressive was the play of the defense. Going into the fourth quarter, Patrick Graham’s unit had only surrendered 13 points; that’s a solid outing. In the end, it was Graham’s group of ragtag defenders that won this game. The Raiders’ defense has often been called out by fans, particularly Derek Carr apologists, but on Sunday, they won the day. Let’s not forget, the win also doesn’t excuse the fact that Josh McDaniels’ offense went silent in the second half, and it could’ve easily been another collapse under the besieged coach. Still, the win is all that matters in the grand scheme of things.
Raider Nation reacts to wild finish!
This is the funniest stiff arm ever pic.twitter.com/uK1mp0LNzB
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) December 19, 2022
#Raiders are the most dramatic team I've covered, and I don't see how any other team will top them.
— Moe Moton (@MoeMoton) December 19, 2022
What a game.
— RC (@RaiderCody) December 18, 2022
This was the Hanukkah Miracle game #RaiderNation
— 👩ðŸ½â€ðŸ¦±ð•·ð–šð–ˆð–Žð–‘ð–‘𖊠👩ðŸ½â€ðŸ¦± (@TheOGLucille) December 19, 2022
Guess the replay officials missed the memo about screwing the Raiders. Could have easily ruled Cole's touchdown out of bounds to further the `conspiracy'
— Jerry McDonald (@Jerrymcd) December 19, 2022
Keelan Come on his reaction to the Chandler Jones TD:
“What the f***. What the f***.â€#RaiderNation #Raiders
— Logan Reever (@loganreever) December 19, 2022
#RaiderNation Good win today especially with Chandler Jones The Game Winning Touchdown LFG!!!! pic.twitter.com/X6OvjIzNH5
— Phil Jones (@PhilJonesNFL) December 19, 2022
Almost twerked after the win ☠ï¸â˜ ï¸ pic.twitter.com/2sa13UAEO8
— Feven Kay (@Feven_Kay) December 19, 2022
IDK who that was who threw the ball to Chandler Jones but he might go to bed unemployed lol
— James (@OaklandAboveAll) December 19, 2022
https://t.co/qSzCgpzN5W pic.twitter.com/rVHLwl56cO
— Phil Robinson III (@PhilRobinsonIII) December 19, 2022
What about you? How are you feeling after this wild ride that was Week 15? The Raiders are still alive in the playoff hunt. They can only control what’s in front of them and win one week at a time from here on out. It wasn’t a perfect win by any means; however, the finish to this contest goes to show you the heart and grit that this Raiders team possesses. Having said that, let us know your thoughts down below.
*Top Photo: NBC Sports/Boston
