Los Angeles Rams (4-9) – Las Vegas Raiders (5-8): 17-16
The Raiders led 16-3 in the last quarter and looked set to sign a fourth straight victory to definitely get back into the playoff race. And then, an unlikely hero popped up: Baker Mayfield.
Arrived two days earlier in Los Angeles, the former number one in the Draft led two touchdown drives to snatch the victory 10 seconds from the end. Even more impressive, it was an offensive of 98 yards that had to be carried out to win! The Rams recovered the leather on their 2 yards with 1mn45 to play. Mayfield (22/35, 230 yards, 1 TD) then notably found Tutu Atwell (5 rec, 50 yards), Ben Skowronek (7 rec, 89 yards) for 32 yards, then Van Jefferson (2 rec, 44 yards, 1 TD) a few actions later, on a 23-yard connection for the winning touchdown.
Improbable outcome for a match that the Raiders will long regret.
The Raiders fall asleep
Everything had started perfectly for Las Vegas. A touchdown from Josh Jacobs (27 runs, 99 yards, 1 TD – 2 rec, 15 yards) on the first offensive series, a field goal on the next, and that’s a 10-0 against the Rams who seem far too limited. John Wolford started the game for Los Angeles at quarterback, but Sean McVay decided to bring in Baker Mayfield immediately after a punt on the first series.
Mayfield will seek a field goal (3-10), but the Raiders also respond to the foot (3-13). After an exchange of loose balls, the score does not move before the break. And Derek Carr’s attack does not relaunch after returning from the locker room. On the contrary. Josh Jacobs is stuffed with balls but breaks his teeth on the opposing defense. Derek Carr (11/20, 137 yards, 2 int) and Davante Adams (3 rec, 71 yards) are no better.
Finally, at the start of the last quarter, the Raiders finally put a field goal to give themselves some air. At 16-3 with a dozen minutes to play, the case seems settled.
But the unthinkable happens. A first drive from 75 yards from the Rams completed by a touchdown from Cam Akers. Then this drive from 98 yards to snatch the victory.
This is Vegas coming down to earth and probably saying goodbye to the playoffs for good. Baker Mayfield, he offers an improbable return to the front of the stage, at least for one evening.
