The Las Vegas Raiders escaped Baltimore with a season-defining win against the Ravens (we know, it’s only Week 2). Here were five dominant performances from the Silver and Black.
After a disappointing loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, the Raiders headed to Baltimore in a matchup that few favored Las Vegas. It looked like Deja Vu as the offense struggled in the first half, but everything shifted in the second half. In the passing game, a completely vast and dynamic offense exploded, leading to a close matchup victory.
A certain Raiders player is already making a case for DPOY
No. 1 Maxx Crosby
He is unquestionably the franchise’s most important player and the face of the team. Maxx Crosby is embarking on the Defensive Player of the Year award this season. This game will undoubtedly help him plead his case at the end of the year. Crosby was obviously his usual self, dominating the Ravens’ offensive front with two sacks.
Additionally, Crosby exerted a devastating tackle on Ravens running back Derrick Henry, which made a statement. The box score won’t show his belief in Gardner Minshew. When Minshew threw an interception, Crosby demonstrated his great leadership and showed gratitude when it mattered most.
LEADERSHIP: Right after an interception, #Raiders star Maxx Crosby went over to QB Gardner Minshew to HYPE HIM UP & LET HIM KNOW IT WILL ALL BE OKAY.
@CrosbyMaxx one of the best teammates in the league.
pic.twitter.com/bkYTeCPAMY— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) September 15, 2024
No. 2 Davante Adams
Will Davante Adams be enthused with the offense’s performance and have no trade rumors this week? After leading the team with nine receptions and leading with 110 yards the storm should be quiet until next game at least. Adams also added additional yards to the offensive production by drawing a pass interference call.
Surprisingly, this was not the best Adams could have done in this game. He dropped one wide open pass and even could have added an additional touchdown with better timing from Minshew. Nonetheless, this was a showcase performed by one of the best wide receivers in the NFL.
No. 3 Brock Bowers
On Sunday, the thirteenth pick in the NFL Draft and one of college football’s best tight ends silenced any doubts. Should the Raiders have drafted a defender instead? If your first-round pick catches nine balls for 98 yards, he definitely will not be considered a bust. More importantly, Bowers is proving to be more of a pivotal draft pick, a necessity even, than a “luxury.”
Bowers exemplified his keen ability to find open spaces in zone and his route running. His gloves were magnets to the football, as he did not drop a single pass. As a rookie, he quietly positions himself as one of the best tight ends in the NFL.
Brock Bowers has 12 receptions for 125 yards. The most receiving yards in #Raiders history among tight ends in their first two career games #LVvsBAL | @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/xo9io48WXY
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) September 15, 2024
No. 4 Jakorian Bennett
A glaring hole in the offseason was the second cornerback position, opposing Jack Jones. Bennett has quietly exemplified that he can be a reliable starting player. Deep catches against him come at a premium and will be hard to find. His elite speed and eye discipline to focus on the receiver and deny catches have elevated his game.
Bennett made a game-changing play when he played great man coverage and forced an interception. This guy has fans’ respect and will only get better. This is only the second season for the young cornerback.
No. 5 Robert Spillane
The middle linebacker is one of the most important players of a defense, as he echoes the plays and is essentially the defensive quarterback. Spillane has beautifully executed his role and surpassed expectations time and time again. With a lack of help from any other linebacker, Spillane has carried the linebacker room to success.
He filled in the run gaps and caught the team’s lone turnover, which completely shifted the momentum. 12 tackles is a dominant game, and it is likely that this will not be his only such performance. He had multiple interceptions in his 2023 campaign.
*Top Photo: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports