An action-packed game between the Las Vegas Raiders and San Francisco 49ers ended with a heartbreaking loss of 37-34 in overtime. Second-string quarterback Jarrett Stidham made sure to do what he could in order to keep the team in the game but ended up throwing a costly pick in overtime for an emotional defeat.
– 365 passing yards
– 34 rushing yards
– 3 passing touchdowns
– 500 total yards of offense against the No. 1 ranked defense in the NFLI guess he ain’t write back either.#Raiders pic.twitter.com/jsRlm3qiFy
— Levi Edwards (@theleviedwards) January 2, 2023
The Raiders were in it till the end, hats off.
Patrick Graham’s defense appeared lifeless until certain moments, which were insufficient for a victory. Niners running back Christian McCaffrey was having a field day due to a weak Raiders run defense. The cornerbacks were doing what they could, but Frisco’s offensive line was protecting quarterback Brock Purdy like bees protecting their queen.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Raiders and Stidham were doing their jobs. They managed to keep the game extremely close throughout all four quarters and were able to prove that even with the hounding of the media and changes in the offense, they could fight their way through.
The defense came up short, again.
Defensive end Maxx Crosby and the rest of the defense couldn’t find their groove. No pressure on the quarterback, a few big plays, and lots of open space made for a nice offensive performance from the Niners. The biggest highlight was possibly the pick that cornerback Amik Robertson had in the third quarter.
The Raiders’ offensive weapons really had some time to shine today, with tight ends Darren Waller and Foster Moreau, wide receivers Davante Adams and Hunter Renfrow, and running back Josh Jacobs making plays that moved the chains. Adams had a beautiful toe-tap touchdown thrown from Stidham during the last 15 seconds of the second quarter. The offense also had a few mishaps, such as unnecessary holding calls that cost them yards.
The iceman, kicker Daniel Carlson, made a beautiful 57-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 27. A game-changing booth review late in the fourth on an insane catch by Adams brought the Raiders within 20 yards of a touchdown. A missed field goal by Niners kicker Robbie Gould made the game go into overtime, but a bad throw by Stidham put the nail in the coffin.
The Raiders will now face the Kansas City Chiefs at home in their final battle of the season. With the playoffs out of the picture, the Silver and Black must focus on next season and the changes that will occur within the organization.
*Top Photo: Naomi Baker/Getty Images
